Boiler grants & ECO4 2026: are you eligible?

What is ECO4 and who can get funding?

The Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4) is a UK government scheme that requires large energy suppliers to fund heating upgrades and energy efficiency improvements for eligible households. Unlike many grant schemes, you don't apply directly to the government—instead, accredited installers like Zebra Plumbing help you access the funding.

ECO4 aims to help people who struggle with heating costs, either because they're on a low income, receiving certain benefits, or living in a home with poor energy efficiency. The scheme runs until March 2026 (though this may be reviewed), and funding is delivered through qualifying energy companies and their approved installer networks.

While ECO4 is the primary boiler grant route, funding isn't automatic. You must meet specific eligibility criteria, and your property must qualify. The good news: if you're eligible, there's no upfront cost—funding comes directly from the energy supplier, and you only pay any remaining balance after the grant is applied.

Am I eligible? Check the key criteria

Eligibility depends on three main factors: your household income or benefit status, your property's energy rating, and your heating system type. Below is a quick reference table to see where you might fit:

What does ECO4 cover?

ECO4 covers the full replacement of old, inefficient boilers and heating systems. Typically, you'll be eligible if:

• Your boiler is over 15 years old or inefficient (low SEDBUK rating)

• You're replacing it with a new gas, oil, or hybrid system (brand-new efficiency standards)

• Your property is off-grid and currently using oil, LPG, or electric heating

• You meet the income or benefit eligibility requirements above

Funding usually covers the boiler unit, installation labour, and necessary pipework modifications. It does not cover routine maintenance, repairs to existing boilers, or upgrades beyond a standard replacement.

At Zebra Plumbing, we're Gas Safe and OFTEC OIL-registered, which means we can install systems funded by ECO4. If you're looking to replace an oil boiler (common in rural County Durham and North Yorkshire), ECO4 can be a lifeline—oil heating has shot up in cost, and a modern replacement boiler, funded via ECO4, could save you hundreds annually.

How do I apply and what's the process?

You don't apply to the government directly. Instead, follow this simple route:

1. **Get a free assessment.** Contact Zebra Plumbing or another accredited ECO4 installer and ask for a free eligibility check. We'll gather details about your property, heating system, household income, and any benefits you receive.

2. **Verify your eligibility.** We work with our energy supplier partners to confirm you qualify under ECO4 rules. This is a no-obligation step—if you're not eligible, we'll tell you upfront and discuss alternatives.

3. **Receive a quote.** Once confirmed, we'll provide a fixed-price quote for the boiler and installation. The quote will show the total cost and how much ECO4 funding covers (e.g., "£4,500 total, £3,500 funded, you pay £1,000").

4. **Arrange funding and install.** We liaise with the energy supplier to secure the funding. Once approved, we schedule the installation at a time that suits you. Installation typically takes 1–2 days.

5. **Pay the balance and receive documentation.** You pay any remaining balance (if applicable). We hand you warranties, safety certificates, and documentation for your records.

The entire process usually takes 2–6 weeks from initial assessment to installation, depending on funding approval and your availability.

Why ECO4 matters in North Yorkshire and County Durham

Our region has a high proportion of oil-heated and off-grid properties, especially in rural areas. Oil boilers are expensive to run (fuel prices have trebled in recent years), and many homeowners struggle with winter heating bills. ECO4 explicitly supports off-grid properties—if you're using oil or LPG, you're often a priority for funding.

Additionally, many properties in North Yorkshire have older boilers and lower EPC ratings (D–G). If you're in a rural area, fuel-poor, or on benefits, ECO4 can cover a large portion of the replacement cost.

Zebra Plumbing has the accreditations needed to deliver ECO4 work: we're Gas Safe-registered for gas boilers and OFTEC OIL-registered for oil systems. We also install premium brands—Worcester Bosch, Baxi, Ideal, Vaillant, Grant—which come with excellent warranties and performance guarantees. When ECO4 funds your install, you get a modern, efficient boiler backed by up to 10 years of warranty, with fixed costs and predictable bills.

Common questions about boiler grants

Quick questions