Top Home Improvements You Can Make with ECO 4 Funding

What is the ECO 4 scheme?

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) is a government funding scheme to tackle fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions. As part of the scheme, UK energy companies are required to deliver energy efficiency measures to domestic properties. This obligation means you could be eligible for various upgrades to improve your home's Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. With ECO4 funding, you could be entitled to gas boiler upgrades, electric storage heaters or insulation completely free of charge, provided you own your home (or have your landlord's permission).

How does the ECO4 Scheme work?

Check your eligibility: you can find out whether you can participate in the scheme by contacting your energy company. Alternatively, reach out to us at North East Insulation Services; we're an ECO4 registered installer, which means that we can assess your eligibility and install the measures for you at no cost, so long as you meet the criteria.

Fill in this form to apply, and we'll be in touch.

Receive a free survey: Our knowledgeable retrofit surveyors will examine your property and devise a package of measures. We may suggest anything from cavity insulation to upgraded central heating and solar upgrades.  

Installation: A trusted installer will fit your new home upgrades. You can then enjoy reduced energy bills and a cosy home, safe in the knowledge that you've lowered your carbon footprint.

Am I Eligible for the Scheme?

To qualify for the scheme, you must:

1. Be the homeowner or have your landlord's permission

2. You must also receive certain benefits that would put you in the government's Help to Heat Group (HTHG). website.

3. Live in social housing with low energy efficiency. Social housing premises with EPC Energy rating D-G may be eligible for the scheme.

If you're not eligible for ECO4, you may be eligible for LA Flex. Flexible eligibility allows your Local Authority to identify and support households that meet the criteria.

Reach out today to learn more about Flexible Eligibility and whether you can benefit. 

How do I apply for Eco 4 Funding?

You can apply through your energy supplier or a trusted installer like North East Insulation Services.

What are the cost benefits of enrolling in the scheme?

According to the Energy Saving Trust, you can expect to save £200 - £380 a year. though specific figures depend on multiple factors, including the type of efficiency measure installed and your home type.

What Measures Can You Install to Make My Home More Efficient?

Here are some of the measures you can utilise through ECO4, along with the benefits of each:

Electric Storage Radiators

Electric storage radiators, sometimes called night storage heaters, can be a cost-effective way to heat your home, provided you're on the right tariff with your energy provider.

These radiators heat up during off-peak hours, often at night, in the early hours, or in the afternoon, when the grid's demand is at its lowest. They store this generated heat and release it during the day. To benefit, you'll need to be on one of the following tariffs:

Economy 7

With Economy 7, customers get a cheaper unit rate for seven hours a day (usually between midnight and 7 a.m.).

Economy 10

Economy 10 works similarly, but you get 10 cheap, off-peak hours. With Economy 10, your off-peak hours are divided into two chunks: 7 hours overnight ( midnight—7 am) and an additional 3 hours in the afternoon. Your energy provider will be able to confirm these times for you.

If you choose either of these tariffs, be aware that you may need to make lifestyle changes to make the most of night storage heaters. Some examples include using energy-demanding appliances, such as the washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, etc., during off-peak hours to get the best out of the lower unit rate.

If used correctly, night storage heaters can be an excellent way to save some pounds. However, you may need to change your meters, and with some energy suppliers, this can incur a cost.

If you already have night storage heaters, you could save even more by upgrading them. Most modern electric storage radiators can hold on to the heat accumulated during the night for even longer, making them more climate-friendly and cheaper to run.

Contact us to find out how to get free electric storage heaters through the ECO4 scheme.

Gas Boiler Upgrades

Old and inefficient gas boilers can be costly to run and may not be heating your home effectively. If you have an old boiler, you may be eligible for an upgrade through the scheme.

Insulation

The recommended depth for loft insulation is 270mm, but many households fall short. This means a large portion of the heat generated escapes through the roof, leaving you cold and with a high energy bill.

Improve your home's energy efficiency and keep your heat inside your home with ECO4. Check your eligibility today. 

How do I Find an ECO4 Qualified Contractor?

Look for installers with the TrustMark certification. At North East Insulation Services, we're proud to hold this certification alongside several other memberships.

To find out more about ECO4 or Flexible Eligibility, call us on 0191 680 4575 or apply online.