An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) measures how energy-efficient a property is, using a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).  Most older UK homes fall between D and G, making them potential candidates for energy improvement schemes.

Why EPC Ratings Matter So Much

Your EPC rating affects:

• Energy bills and heating costs
• Property value and rental compliance
• Eligibility for government schemes like ECO4

For ECO4, lower EPC ratings often mean higher priority, as the scheme focuses on improving inefficient homes.

Knowing the ECO4 Scheme

The government’s ECO4 scheme is intended to assist households in improving their energy efficiency by providing funds for a range of home renovations. Low-income families and vulnerable people who struggle with high energy expenses are given priority under this scheme, which is mainly aimed at homes with poor EPC ratings (E, F, or G). 

Because it focuses only on whole-house upgrades, ECO4 is distinct. As a result, in addition to simply replacing their boiler, consumers may now obtain the various measures required in their home to significantly increase energy efficiency.

Specific energy-saving measures are needed to raise a home’s EPC rating. A number of upgrades that directly raise an EPC score are funded by the ECO4 scheme:

Change to Insulation

Upgrading insulation is one of the best ways to raise your EPC rating. The ECO4 plan covers different types of insulation, such as:

Up to 25% of a home’s heat loss occurs through the roof, which is lessened by loft insulation.

Cavity Wall Insulation: This significantly improves thermal efficiency by preventing heat from escaping via the outside walls.

Solid Wall Insulation: This provides significant energy loss in exchange for increased warmth, making it perfect for older homes with solid walls.

Underfloor insulation: This keeps rooms above unheated areas, like cellars or garages, warm.

A home with adequate insulation uses less energy and has a higher EPC rating because it loses less heat.

Upgrades to Heating Systems

Older heating systems have a very low Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating because they consume more energy than is necessary. The replacement of inefficient heating systems is covered by the ECO4 scheme subsidies. The majority of these consist of:

Installations of Central Heating Systems: A modern central heating installation is more efficient than using electric heaters or outdated gas-age fireplaces.

Boiler Replacements: Generally speaking, the ECO4 scheme promotes less energy-intensive heating options, such as contemporary condensing boilers. These energy efficient boilers use less energy to run and help you to save on bills upto £600 annually.

Air Source Heat Pumps: These effective sustainable heating solutions use the heat from the surrounding air to heat homes.

Smart Heating Controls: By operating your system only when absolutely necessary, smart thermostats and heating controls should assist optimize energy use.

Installations of Renewable Energy

Another crucial strategy to raise one’s EPC rating is to switch to renewable energy sources. Some homes may be eligible for funding under the ECO4 to install renewable energy solutions like

Heat pumps: Low-carbon choices for effectively heating your home include air-source and ground-source heat pumps.

When these devices are installed together, they provide significant energy conservation, making the homeowners economical and sustainable.

To qualify for ECO4 grants eligibility, both property and household criteria must be met.

1. EPC Requirements for ECO4

• Your property’s EPC rating plays a central role:
• ECO4 focuses on homes with EPC ratings of D, E, F, or G, aiming to improve them to at least a C rating or above.
• F and G rated properties usually qualify for comprehensive upgrades to achieve D or C.
• D or E properties may also qualify if they can be improved to C.
• A, B or C homes typically do not qualify, as they are already more energy efficient.

2. Household Eligibility Criteria

To qualify financially under ECO4, you also need either:

• Receipt of qualifying benefits (means tested) such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Child Tax Credits and more; or
• Low household income thresholds under flexible eligibility schemes supported by your local authority.
• Older or inefficient heating systems — such as non-condensing boilers, old electric storage heaters, or homes without central heating — typically score higher for eligibility.

This dual criteria ensures the funding goes to those who need energy efficiency support the most.

Step 1: Check Your EPC Rating Quickly

The first thing to do is find your EPC rating UK. You can check this on Heat1’s online eligibility checker that match your postcode to your certificate. Knowing your rating helps you understand whether your property meets the EPC requirements for ECO4.

If your EPC is currently too high (e.g., band C or above), you usually won’t be eligible under ECO4 — because the scheme targets homes that need upgrades.

Step 2: Use an Online ECO4 Eligibility Checker

To speed up qualifying, use our free ECO4 eligibility checker online in just 60 sec. These fast tools:

• Auto-fetch your EPC grade
• Ask about income and benefits
• Tell you instantly whether you qualify for ECO4 grants
• Enable you to start the process without long forms

This is one of the smartest fast ECO4 application steps you can take.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

Before contacting heat1 installers or submitting applications, gather:

• Your EPC certificate or reference
• Proof of income
• Benefit award letters or government benefit documentation
• Household details (number of people, ages, vulnerabilities)

Having these ready saves time and prevents application delays.

Step 4: Contact an accredited heat1 installer.

You can’t apply for ECO4 grants directly — an approved TrustMark-registered heat1 installer must do it for you. The heat1 installers:

• Handle the paperwork
• Arrange your home survey
• Ensure your upgrades meet funding criteria

Step 5: Schedule a Free Home Survey

Once your eligibility is assessed, a heat1 installer will set up a free Home energy efficiency grant survey. They assess your house and recommend the best energy efficiency measures to bring your Upgrade home EPC up to the required level, which is often the deciding factor in achieving ECO4 approval.

Here are some effective ECO4 application tips to help you succeed:

• Don’t delay your survey: A fast home assessment helps identify eligible measures quickly.
• Communicate regularly with installers: Clear communication ensures paperwork and installation slots are handled fast.
• Check local authority flexible eligibility: Even if you don’t receive benefits, you could still qualify via LA flex routes. 

Even after ECO4 upgrades, improving your EPC rating continues to deliver value.

Benefits of a Higher EPC Rating

• Lower energy bills year-round
• Increased property value
• Easier compliance with rental regulations
• Better indoor comfort and air quality

Many households move from E or F to C or D, dramatically reducing heating costs.

• Current EPC Rating (D, E, F, G)
• Proof of qualifying benefits or low income
• Valid ID and address verification
• Completed eligibility checker results
• Contact with accredited ECO4 provider like heat1
• Home energy survey scheduled

This checklist helps you organise your fast ECO4 application and ensures you’re ready for every step in the process. You can check your eligibility at heat1.co.uk.

Understanding EPC ratings UK, ECO4 grants eligibility, and the steps to qualify for ECO4 faster can put substantial energy savings and home improvements within reach. With the ECO4 scheme 2026 offering funded upgrades to the least efficient homes, now is the ideal time to check your EPC, gather documentation, and start your application.

Improving your energy performance doesn’t just secure grants and lower bills — it enhances comfort, boosts property value, and contributes to environmental goals. Start with your EPC, follow a clear ECO4 grant checklist, and work with our trusted heat1 installers to unlock the full benefits of this government-backed home energy efficiency funding.