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You might be wondering if your home has electric heating and if you could get a grant for replacing old storage heaters. Yes, you can receive government support to replace inefficient or old electric storage heaters. In recent years, the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) has been a major route for funding energy efficiency and home heating upgrades.
This article explains how to apply for a grant and what heating is eligible for. It also explains the workings of the scheme. You can also follow the process with my simple tables and clear statistics.
Why Replace Old Electric Storage Heaters?
Electricity is wasted by old storage heaters. The heaters are charged at night on cheaper rates and release heat during the day. Older models are prone to poor control and thin insulation. The older models are prone to leakage of heat and do not store energy efficiently. It means higher energy bills and a cooler home.
Modern models with high heat retention and better insulation are used in new storage heaters. They retain more heat and adjust heating according to your needs. Replace old heaters to reduce your bills and improve the comfort of your home.
If your electricity is from a low-carbon source, new systems can also reduce a home’s carbon footprint. Recent analyses show that UK electricity has become cleaner over the years. This makes electric heating a more eco-friendly choice.
Who is ECO4 for and What Does it Cover?
ECO4 is a programme backed by the government that asks large energy suppliers to finance energy-saving measures. The program focuses on low-income households or those with poor energy performance. ECO4 can finance insulation, heat pumps, and in some cases, the replacement of old, inefficient electric storage heating units with new, efficient units.
Ofgem has set rules for the scheme, explaining which measures are permitted and which households may benefit. ECO4 aims at reducing fuel poverty in Britain and reducing energy consumption. Ofgem, the Department for Energy and Ofgem set up the policy foundations and delivery rules.
Not every home qualifies. Priority is given to homes with electric heating or those with residents who receive certain benefits. If the landlord is on board, private tenants may be eligible. Social housing rules are slightly different.
Checking current guidelines is recommended before applying, as the rules may change. Ofgem updates the delivery guidelines, while energy suppliers perform the practical checks on each application.
Am I Likely to Qualify?
Many people who use electricity for heating are eligible. Most people who qualify are either on certain income-related benefits or whose property is dependent on electric heating. The scheme is often targeted at households with low incomes or homes off the gas grid.
In 2021, for example, approximately 4.4 million British homes were not connected to mains gas. Many rural homes rely on solid fuel, oil, or LPG for heating. You are more likely to qualify for ECO4 funding if you have electric heating and live off the gas grid.
In some cases, energy suppliers will also check the rating of your Energy Performance Certificate. Priority may be given to homes with low EPC ratings or inefficient heating.
Local schemes, other grants, and sometimes local schemes can be combined with ECO4 in order to improve the overall package. The final decision is made by the provider of the measure. Apply and have them assess your house.
How Much Can a Grant Cover?
If your home qualifies, ECO4 funding may cover the entire cost of upgrading. You may be able to get free electric storage heaters installed. The value of each project depends on the complexity of the work and the scoring rules used by Ofgem to reward carbon reductions and improvements.
Supplier obligations worth billions of pounds are a part of the broader ECO4 Framework. The government documents and scheme design describe the scope and goals of the program.
The important thing for households is that the full replacement of the system can be funded, so they don’t have to pay the installation costs.
Check Eligibilty For ECO4 Scheme
Get Free Heating System Installed Today at your Property Under ECO4!
Who is Typically Eligible Under ECO4?
| Situation | Likely eligible? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The home uses electric storage heaters, and the resident receives income-related benefits | Very likely | Supplier assessment needed; landlord permission if tenant. |
| Home off the gas grid but no benefits | Possibly | Off-grid homes are a focus, but income/band criteria may apply. |
| Social housing tenant | Possibly | Social landlords often work with suppliers for upgrades. Check landlord policy. |
| Private tenant without landlord permission | Not eligible | A landlord agreement is usually required. |
How the Process Works in Practice
You should first contact an approved installer, an internal ECO4 representative, or a provider that manages ECO4-related projects. Local installers often work with energy providers and can quickly check your eligibility. They will ask you about your benefits, heating type, and EPC.
You may be asked to provide proof of your benefits or for an address verification. The supplier will arrange a survey if you are eligible. The survey will check the wiring, heater locations, and whether any secondary work or rewiring is needed.
Installation is scheduled if the survey is successful. Installers replace old heaters with new units. Installers will also test the system and install controls, as well as provide instructions on how to operate it. The supplier will submit proof of installation to Ofgem, and the project will be scored.
From the first contact until completion, it can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to several months, depending on the demand and any extra work needed. Ask for a timeline and keep copies of all documentation.
Typical Timeline and Steps
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| Contact and eligibility check | You or the installer provide address, heating type and benefits info. |
| Survey | Installer checks wiring, location and feasibility. |
| Approval | Supplier confirms funding and issues a job order. |
| Installation | Old heaters removed and new ones fitted, controls set. |
| Post-install checks | Tests done; supplier submits records to Ofgem. |
What Documents or Proof Will I Need?
The majority of providers will require proof of your identity, proof of address, and proof of benefits you have claimed if applicable. They can request your EPC or look it up on the internet. The installer needs written permission from the landlord, if you’re a tenant, to enter your property and make any changes.
If ECO4 funds the project, you don’t have to pay anything. However, it is important that the installer has access to the property and can do the installation and survey.
Can Landlords Get the Work Done for Tenants?
In certain cases, landlords may be eligible for ECO4. For private sector homes, the rules are more complicated. In general, replacing a heating unit in a privately rented home under ECO4 can only be done in certain situations, like when it produces a more efficient heating system or when there are other improvements to the property.
Social landlords, local authorities, and suppliers often work together to upgrade several properties. To obtain permission, tenants should contact their landlord as well as the installer.
Eco Energy Services - A Trusted Partner
Eco Energy Services, a provider of free heating upgrades for homeowners and tenants under the ECO4 Scheme, is one such provider. They are a trusted partner to many households. They determine eligibility, organise surveys, and supervise the installation by approved installers.
Eco Energy Services, a firm that coordinates funding and handles paperwork for suppliers, is highly recommended by many in the industry.
The company has published case studies and guides that show how electric storage heaters can be replaced without cost to households under ECO4 regulations. Verify credentials, ask for references, and warranty details.
Final Thoughts
Check out ECO4 or other local grants if you have electric storage heaters in your home and are experiencing high bills and poor comfort. Many low-income households and those living off the gas grid have already benefitted from funding upgrades.
Contact an accredited installer, or a partner you trust like Eco Energy Services. Collect basic documents, such as proofs of benefits or an EPC (if you have one).
Ask questions that are clear about your eligibility, the timing of installation, and warranties. You may be able to get new storage heaters installed without having to pay the full cost. Savings and comfort improvements can add up over time.
FAQs
Sure. If your house is occupied by outdated or inefficient electric heaters, you could qualify for federal funding under the ECO4 scheme to replace them with new, energy-efficient heaters.
Older heating systems tend not to be efficient in retaining heat, they consume electricity inefficiently, and result in higher energy costs. Modern heaters are more efficient in insulating and have better heat retention, and will lower your carbon footprint in the event that your electricity comes from carbon-free sources.
ECO4 primarily supports low-income households, those who are not connected to the grid or gas, as well as homes that have poor energy performance. It may help with insulation, heat pumps, and the replacement of poor-performing electric storage heaters that are electric.
Eligibility is usually based on the type of your heating system or income-related benefits, as well as the extent to which your home is connected to the mains gas supply. Homes that have poor EPC ratings or poor heating are typically considered more eligible. The eligibility of your home is determined by your energy provider or installer.
If your house is eligible, ECO4 can cover the total cost of the new storage heaters, including installation. There is no need to pay out of your pocket.
