1. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
This scheme has been extended to help homeowners transition from fossil fuel boilers to low-carbon heating systems. In 2025, you can claim a substantial flat-rate grant towards the installation.
- Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP): Get up to £7,500 off supply and installation.
- Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP): Get up to £7,500 off supply and installation.
- Biomass Boilers: Get up to £5,000 off (only available in rural areas without mains gas).
- Eligibility: You must own the property (residential or small non-domestic) and have a valid EPC with no outstanding recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation.
2. The ECO4 Scheme (Energy Company Obligation)
ECO4 is a government-mandated scheme requiring medium and large energy suppliers to install energy-efficiency measures in low-income, vulnerable, and fuel-poor households.
- What is covered: Free loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, solid wall insulation, boiler upgrades, and in some cases, solar panels.
- Eligibility: Based on receiving certain benefits (such as Universal Credit, Income Support, Pension Credit, or Child Benefit within income thresholds) or qualify under local authority referral rules (LA Flex).
3. The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)
Running alongside ECO4, GBIS focuses primarily on single insulation measures to help a wider group of households who do not qualify for low-income schemes but still live in inefficient properties.
- What is covered: A single insulation upgrade (cavity wall, loft, underfloor, solid wall, or flat roof insulation).
- Eligibility: Open to homes with an EPC rating of D to G that are in Council Tax bands A-D in England, or A-E in Scotland and Wales.
4. Zero VAT on Energy-Efficiency Measures
Although not a direct cash grant, the UK government has extended the 0% VAT rate on energy-saving installations until April 2027. This saves you 20% on both materials and labor for qualifying projects like insulation, solar panels, heat pumps, and wind turbines.
Conclusion & Next Steps
To apply, always ensure your installer is MCS-certified (for heat pumps and solar) or registered with a reputable trust scheme (for insulation). They will usually apply for the grant on your behalf and deduct it directly from your final invoice.
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