Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are just some of the questions that we frequently hear! If your question is not on the list below, please feel free to click here to go to our contact page and get in touch! We will be happy to answer any questions that you have!

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Is this a scam? How can all this REALLY be free?

No it isn’t a scam, although we do understand that some people may be sceptical of “something for nothing”! This is a question that we often hear, and we would love to help set your mind at rest!

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) was launched by the British government in 2013 and requires all energy suppliers with over 250,000 domestic customers, or those supplying more than 400 gigawatt-hours of electricity or 2,000 gigawatt-hours of gas annually to households, to participate.

Through the ECO program, these companies must provide a variety of funded improvements, known as measures, to enhance the energy efficiency of homes. To date, £4billion has been made available!

These measures focus on keeping properties warm and well-insulated, aiming to help alleviate fuel poverty. Examples of these measures include boiler replacements, grants for central heating systems, and various types of home insulation for lofts, interior and exterior walls, and floors. Eligible households may also qualify for air-source heat pumps and/or solar panel systems – all FREE.

Although the government introduced the ECO scheme, it is funded by energy companies, who are required by law to make UK homes more energy efficient as part of the broader Clean Growth Strategy. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has committed to supporting the ECO scheme through to 2028 and the scheme is now up to its fourth iteration (ECO4).

Each energy provider receives a specific ECO target based on its share of the domestic gas and electricity market, which they must achieve to avoid substantial fines.

How do I know if I'm eligible for free energy upgrades?

Eligibility for free energy upgrades generally depends on factors such as household income, property type, and current energy efficiency rating. As a general rule of theumb, the ECO4 scheme can provide grants to those in receipt of benefits or on low incomes, while the GBIS (Great British Insulation Scheme) has a much wider eligibility criteria and can generally provide upgrades such as free home insulation to individuals or families living in certain council tax brackets.

Don’t worry though! EcoHome can guide you through a quick eligibility assessment. Just fill out our form (opens in a new window) or give us a call on 0800 246 5488, and we’ll be happy to review your options and see if you qualify. The criteria to qualify is wider than a lot of people think so it is ALWAYS worth checking!

What kind of upgrades are available through EcoHome?

We offer a variety of upgrades, including totally FREE boiler replacements, cavity wall and loft insulation, smart heating controls, solar panel installations, and air-source heat pumps.

We can also provide free Internal Wall Insulation (IWI) or External Wall Insulation (EWI) as well as some types of flat roof insulation. These improvements not only increase comfort but can also help to greatly reduce energy bills, something which we know is immensely important in these times of extremely high cost of living!

Click here to get in touch with us TODAY to find out which exciting FREE upgrades YOU could get!

How long does the application process take?

The initial eligibility assessment via our lightning-fast web form typically takes less than 60 seconds to complete! Just click here to fill the form in. Once you’re approved, we’ll contact you arrange a convenient time for a free home energy assessment.

This will involve a visit to your home by one of our highly-qualified and extremely friendly energy efficiency/retrofit assessment specialists.

The timeframe for installation can vary, but we typically aim to have you all sorted out within a couple of weeks from the date you contact us. We will always keep you updated every step of the way to ensure a smooth process!

Is there definitely NO cost to me for these upgrades?

Most upgrades we offer are fully funded, meaning there’s no cost to eligible households. Some upgrades MAY require a small contribution depending on your situation, which we’ll discuss with you upfront. Our goal is to make the process as affordable as possible, with no hidden costs. We are not “salesmen” and have no hidden interest in selling you something!

The vast majority of assessments that we do are for fully-eligible households, which means that there are no costs to the customer at all – the entire process is paid for from the ECO scheme funding pot.

We should also mention here that it is not only households in receipt of state benefits that may be eligible for funding – households where an occupant suffers from any of a wide array of NHS-recognised medical conditions may become eligible on this point alone, regardless of household income. Click here (opens in a new window) to get in touch with us TODAY to take that first step!

How much could I save on my energy bills with these upgrades?

This can really vary depending on what type of upgrades you are eligible for. Energy savings also depend on your home’s current energy efficiency. For example, new insulation can reduce heating bills by up to 30% alone, while solar panels can provide long-term electricity savings of up to 70%! We’ll give you an estimate of your potential savings based on your unique setup when we come to do your assessment.

Rest assured though that whichever upgrades you receive, all of them will go toward making you more confortable and saving you money on your bills from day one – at NO cost to yourself!

Click here to fill out our super-quick form and we will be back to you as soon as possible to book your assessment!

Will the installation work disrupt my daily routine?

EcoHome is aware that all of our clients come from different backgrounds and have different circumstances. We always strive to complete upgrades with as minimal disruption as posible.

Our professional team will work with you to schedule the installation at a convenient time, and we aim to finish as efficiently as possible. For simpler upgrades like insulation, most installations can generally be completed within a day, while solar panel installation can take a few days to complete.

Rest assured that all of our installation teams conduct themselves with the highest level of professionalism, and will work with you to minimise any disruption.

What are the environmental benefits of these upgrades?

Our energy efficiency upgrades reduce your household’s carbon footprint by improving insulation, using cleaner heating sources, and increasing reliance on renewable energy like solar. By lowering energy use, you contribute to a more sustainable future while enjoying a more comfortable home!

Click here to get in touch with us today by filling out our super-quick form! One of our friendly team will contact you by your preferred method in order to book your FREE home energy assessment! Take the first step to a greener, more energy efficient and more comfortable home TODAY!

Will the eligibility criteria change in future?

This is hard to say but it has been the case that as previous iterations of the ECO (Energy Company Obligation) scheme have ended, that the next iteration of it has expanded what was previously available. ECO4 is due to end in 2026, with ECO5 heading to at least 2028, and so yes, it is likely that the eligibility criteria could widen!

What are the medical conditions that may allow my household to qualify?

Certain schemes under the wider ECO scheme can make you eligible for a wide array of FREE upgrades, regardles sof household income. These could include (but are not limited to!) medical conditions such as limited mobility, immunosuppression, arthritis, asthma, COPD, diabetes, angina or other similar heart conditions, etc.

The medical condition must be diagnosed by an NHS medical professional and documentary evidence may be needed.

If you would like to know more, please feel free to click the link here to fill out our assessment form and we will be in touch as soon as we can to help! If you are unsure if your medical condition qualifies, please get in touch and we will do our best to help!