Free Air Source Heat Pumps and Solar PV for Eligible UK Homes under the ECO4 Scheme

As a nation, we are facing one of the most important transitions in our modern history. The shift to cleaner, greener, and more sustainable energy systems is no longer a distant goal. It is a reality that must take place within this generation. One of the most effective ways to achieve this transition is to improve the energy efficiency of our homes, particularly those that are most vulnerable to high heating costs and poor insulation.

That is why we are proud to support the roll-out of fully funded Air Source Heat Pumps and Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems for eligible households across the United Kingdom. This opportunity is made possible through the ECO4 scheme, a national energy efficiency programme designed to provide long-term solutions to reduce fuel poverty, lower carbon emissions, and future-proof our homes.

This Is Not a Government Freebie — You Have Already Helped Fund It

Before we go any further, let us be absolutely clear. The ECO4 scheme is not a government handout. It is a practical, fair and long-overdue return on a long-standing investment made by UK households.

For more than 20 years, a green levy has been included on energy bills paid by consumers across the country. This levy has generated a fund of more than £4 billion which is specifically designated to help homes become more energy efficient. In addition to this, the UK Government has contributed £124 million from the public purse to support the delivery of low-carbon heating under both the ECO4 programme and the Great British Insulation Scheme. (Figures are accurate as of the end of September 2024, with full-year 2024 data expected soon.)

So if you have paid an energy bill in the last two decades, you have helped to build this fund. Now it is your turn to benefit from it. This is your opportunity to take advantage of a scheme you have been funding all along.

What Is ECO4 and Who Is It For?

The Energy Company Obligation Phase 4 (ECO4) is a key part of the Warmer Homes Scheme, a national strategy to ensure homes across the UK become more energy efficient, affordable to heat, and environmentally sustainable. As a component of this broader initiative, ECO4 focuses specifically on upgrading the least energy-efficient homes and supporting households that are most vulnerable to high energy bills and poor insulation.

To qualify for ECO4, the following conditions typically apply:

• Your property must not be connected to the gas grid. It must be heated by solid fuels such as coal or wood, or by electric heating systems such as storage heaters or electric panels.

  
  

• Your home must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E, F or G. These are considered to be the least efficient properties in the UK.

  
  

• You must be in receipt of qualifying means-tested benefits, or be eligible under Local Authority Flexible Eligibility (LA Flex), which allows local councils to nominate households based on income, health, or vulnerability.

If your property does not currently have an EPC rating, The Eco Advisory Bureau can arrange a fast and professional assessment to determine your rating and provide eligibility advice.

What You Receive: Fully Funded Air Source Heat Pump and Solar PV Installation

The offer under ECO4 is comprehensive and extremely valuable. A typical installation of an Air Source Heat Pump and Solar PV system in a three-bedroom home could cost between £15,000 and £25,000 if purchased privately. However, under this scheme, the full cost is covered for eligible homes. That includes all equipment, installation, labour, and associated upgrades.

This is not a partial grant or a subsidised deal. It is a full package that transforms your home into a high-efficiency, low-cost and low-carbon dwelling.

Financial and Lifestyle Benefits

The financial benefits of upgrading your heating system with ECO4 are significant. A typical three-bedroom home that switches from electric heating or solid fuel to an Air Source Heat Pump powered by Solar PV could expect annual savings of between £850 and £1,200 on energy bills.

The lifestyle benefits are equally compelling. These systems provide:

• Consistent and comfortable heat throughout your home

• Significantly reduced energy costs year after year

• Independence from volatile fossil fuel prices

• A reduction in your carbon footprint by several tonnes per year

• Improved property value and compliance with upcoming regulations

Increased Property Value

One of the lesser-known, yet highly significant, benefits of upgrading to an Air Source Heat Pump and Solar PV system is the increased market value of your home.

A property that has a modern, efficient, and sustainable heating system, particularly one supported by renewable solar generation, is more attractive to buyers and investors. With energy efficiency becoming a major concern in the housing market, homes with higher Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings typically sell faster and for more money.

Recent UK property data indicates that improving a home's EPC rating from a band G or F to a band C or above can increase property value by as much as 10% to 14%, depending on location and housing type. For an average UK home worth £250,000, that’s an uplift of £25,000 to £35,000, far exceeding the cost of the upgrades themselves.

And with increasing focus on Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for future property sales and rentals, installing these upgrades now ensures your home remains compliant and competitive in the years ahead.

So whether you plan to stay long-term or eventually sell or let your property, the installation of a heat pump and solar PV system is an investment in both comfort and capital value.

How the System Works: Air Source Heat Pump and Solar PV in Harmony

An Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) works by drawing ambient heat from the outside air, even in temperatures as low as minus fifteen degrees Celsius. This heat is transferred into your home using a refrigeration cycle and compressor system. The result is an efficient, low-carbon heating solution that produces around three to four times the energy it consumes.

Solar PV systems, meanwhile, convert daylight into electricity using high-efficiency solar panels installed on your roof. This electricity can be used to power your heat pump and other appliances throughout the day, reducing your reliance on the grid and lowering your electricity bills.

Together, these systems create a smart, resilient and future-proof energy ecosystem for your home.

At The Eco Advisory Bureau, we only install market-leading equipment from trusted manufacturers including Samsung and Dimplex. These systems are known for their durability, quiet operation, energy efficiency and longevity. You are not only getting new technology, you are getting premium, future-ready infrastructure.

What Is Included in the Installation?

Every ECO4-funded installation is designed around the unique needs of your home. The process begins with a professional property assessment by a qualified retrofit assessor. This assessment considers the full building fabric including:

• Loft, wall and floor insulation

• Window and door efficiency

• Heat loss points and cold bridging

• Air tightness and ventilation pathways

• The size and layout of the property

From there, we design a system that fits your home and maximises energy performance.

The full installation package includes:

• A premium Air Source Heat Pump from Samsung or Dimplex

• Solar PV panels with inverter and generation meter

• A new hot water cylinder designed for low-temperature heating

• New radiators and full pipework upgrade where necessary

• All electrical work and integration

• Scaffolding, safety measures and waste removal

• Full system commissioning and handover

• A two-year workmanship and equipment guarantee

Installation typically takes around one week to complete. Our engineers are fully qualified, experienced and respectful of your time and property.

Additional Free Upgrades for Maximum Efficiency

During your retrofit assessment, we may also recommend additional free upgrades that further reduce your heating demand and increase comfort. These could include:

• Loft insulation

• Underfloor or cavity wall insulation

• Draught-proofing and ventilation adjustments

These measures are all designed to complement your new heat pump and Solar PV system, ensuring your home achieves maximum performance and energy savings.

Take the First Step Today

The UK is on a mission to decarbonise homes, improve energy security and protect households from rising energy costs. The ECO4 scheme, as part of the wider Warmer Homes Scheme, is one of the most impactful tools we have in that mission.

If your home is off the gas grid and currently relies on electric or solid fuel heating, this is your opportunity to future-proof your home at no cost. You have helped fund this scheme through your energy bills. Now it is time to benefit from it.

Contact The Eco Advisory Bureau today to arrange your eligibility check and property assessment. Our experienced team will guide you through every step of the process, from survey to system commissioning, with integrity, technical excellence and a commitment to quality.