Are Free Insulation Grants Still Available in 2026?
The free insulation grant has helped thousands of UK homeowners to make their homes warmer and more affordable to heat. These grants helped pay for loft insulation and cavity wall insulation, with solid insulation and, in certain cases, heating improvements. In the last several years, the federal government and energy companies collaborated to cut energy costs and cut carbon emissions through providing these upgrades. However, as we approach 2026, many are seeking answers to the question: Are free insulation grants still accessible?
This blog examines the present situation for 2026. We will explain the schemes that are in place, who is still eligible to apply to the scheme, what changes have occurred, and what you need to know in order to get the funding you need. We also discuss future schemes for energy efficiency grants and provide some helpful data. You’ll also learn about the ways trusted partners, such as Thames Valley Insulation is helping households by providing free heating upgrades as part of the Eco4 Scheme.
What Were Free Insulation Grants?
These grants can be categorized as free insulation. They are funding schemes that assist homeowners in paying for energy-saving renovations at no upfront costs. These grants are made available with a mixture of public funds and contributions from major energy companies.
The most popular of these schemes was known as the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4), which operated from April 2022 to March 2026. Under ECO4, the energy industry was mandated to assist low-income and vulnerable households in increasing their homes and energy efficiency. The measures funded included types of insulation like loft and hollow wall and floor insulation, as well as the addition of heating in certain cases.
Another program has been an initiative called the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS). It was designed to assist those who are not eligible to be eligible for ECO4 by focusing attention on energy inefficient homes throughout the country. The program was developed to retrofit approximately 300,000 homes before March 2026, with a budget of PS1 billion.
Together, they sought to cut energy bills and carbon emissions and also make UK houses more comfortable.
Are Free Insulation Grants Still Available in 2026?
In the early 2026 period, the government-sponsored ECO4 scheme was scheduled to expire on March 20, 2026. This means that the primary route for grants to fully-funded insulation under this scheme is coming to an end. Homeowners who applied before the deadline could get their upgrade after the deadline, provided that the installers finish the work as agreed.
This creates a sense of urgency for homeowners to determine whether they’re eligible to apply. When the program reaches its final stages, the available funding is limited, and applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
In parallel, the newer initiatives like Warm Homes Local Grants were launched on April 20, 2025. The local fund programmes are designed to keep assisting with energy-saving improvements, including high-efficiency insulation, as well as low-carbon heat for households with low incomes. With PS500 million distributed over local governments, these funds offer another source of funding through 2026 and beyond, but some measures might not be completely free, and eligibility requirements vary.
What This Means for 2026
From 2026 onwards, free insulation grants are technically still accessible; however, the availability of these grants is significantly restricted compared to the past. ECO4 has ended, and many energy providers have been refusing new applications. This has resulted in disappointment for homeowners who had hoped to get free insulation funds. Certain major companies have shut down their applications in advance as they get ready for the end of the scheme.
However, grants from schemes such as those offered by the Great British Insulation Scheme or local funding schemes could be available in certain areas. The most important thing for anyone who is a homeowner who will be in 2026 is to determine the eligibility of their home now and act swiftly until the funds are exhausted.
Below is a summary of the major plans and their status as we move into 2026.
| Scheme Name | Type of Support | Status in 2026 | Key Notes |
| ECO4 | Heating and insulation measures are free. | Ending March 2026 | The last chance for applicants to submit before the closing date |
| Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) | Insulation that is free and subsidised | This will continue until March 2026. | Higher eligibility than ECO4 |
| Warm Homes Local Grant | Energy upgrades require funding | Active in 2026 | Local authority-driven, differs according to region |
| Boiler Upgrade Scheme | Grants for the installation of heat pumps | Active | You can get up to PS7,500 on heat pumps. |
The table below shows that even though major schemes such as ECO4 are coming to an end, other funding sources exist, but they’re a bit more diverse and might not be able to cover all types of insulation for every home.
Who Can Still Apply for Free Insulation Grants?
Grant eligibility has always been based on a set of guidelines. In 2026, the rules are different according to the scheme:
Low-Income and Vulnerable Households
The majority of the free insulation grants provided by ECO4, as well as similar programmes focuses on households with low incomes or who are vulnerable. To be eligible, applicants are usually required to:
- You may be eligible for specific income-related advantages.
- Live in a house that has a low energy performance rating.
- Earn a household income that is below certain thresholds.
For these priority groups of priority, the insulation measures that are fully funded are still available if the supplies are available.
Homes With Poor Energy Performance
In the Great British Insulation Scheme, homeowners with old, inefficient houses may also be eligible for assistance even if not receive benefits. This means that a greater number of people can take advantage of insulation improvements.
Local Authority Grants
The Warm Homes Local Grant and various local programs have different eligibility criteria. Typically, they target households with low incomes or within certain postcode regions. Certain programs offer greater grants for a variety of improvements, not just insulation.
Statistically Speaking: How Many Homes Have Been Insulated?
Industry and government data indicate that a large number of homes have benefited from grants for energy efficiency. For instance, in September 2025, the year 2025, ECO4 scheme had provided the equivalent of tens of thousands of items such as insulation and heating upgrades.
Here are some important numbers:
| Type of Measure | Number Installed by Sept 2025 |
| Loft Insulation | 95,204 |
| Solid Wall Insulation | 68,060 |
| Cavity Wall Insulation | 25,680 |
| Smart Heating Controls* | 424,136 |
| Boiler Upgrades | 97,686 |
These numbers show the vast coverage of insulation and heating improvements under the ECO4 program. Over 188,000 insulation upgrades alone had been installed by the end of 2025.
These figures indicate a strong participation in grants for insulation, but they also highlight the stress on schemes that are nearing the point of closure.
Do Free Insulation Grants Really Save Money?
Yes. Insulation grants can drastically lower energy bills over the course of time. Insulation in your home stops heat from escape so your heating system has to do more work in keeping your home warm. Many households that get insulation upgrades can anticipate:
- Reduced heating costscutting down on energy bills to hundreds of dollars.
- A cozier and warmer house in winter.
- Lower carbon emissions and a lower environmental footprint.
For instance, cavity wall insulation on its own could reduce between £145 and £480 per year, in accordance with the size of your home. Loft insulation can further save you money by capturing heat at the roof of the home.
While insulation grants will end with ECO4, the overall benefit of better insulation is robust. This is why homeowners continue to choose to apply while funding lasts.
What Has Changed in 2026?
For 2026, there will be some significant modifications that are worth noticing:
ECO4 Ending
The scheduled expiration date of ECO4 is in March 2026, which means applicants must submit their applications in a hurry to get funding. When the scheme ends, free insulation grants offered under ECO4 will not be available to applicants who are new.
Shift to New Models
The new initiatives of the government, like the Warm Homes Plan, are starting to replace the older grant programs. They are focusing more on renewable heating systems such as solar panels and heat pumps, as well as strategies to improve energy efficiency. Although insulation is still a part of these programs, their structure of funding has changed and might not always be entirely free.
Local Scheme Importance
The majority of funding is channeled through local authorities’ grants that allow councils to focus their efforts on improvements in their respective areas. They can provide significant support, but the eligibility criteria and levels of funding vary.
How to Apply in 2026
If you’re looking to submit a request for insulation funds by 2026, this is an easy strategy to boost your odds of getting it:
Begin by verifying eligibility by visiting the official grant webpages or with an established partner that specializes in grant requests. If you are eligible, fill out the required forms and schedule a no-cost survey of your home. After approval, certified installers will be able to complete the task.
It is important to stay clear of unofficial offers of grants that do not check the applicant’s eligibility. Some companies could misrepresent the plans or encourage homeowners to take unneeded services. Be sure to choose a trusted company and verify the details with official guidance from the government.
Trusted Partners: Thames Valley Insulation
If you are looking for grants for free insulation, having a reliable partner is crucial. Thames Valley Insulation is one of the partners recognized for helping homeowners get free heating improvements through the Eco4 Scheme until 2026. Thames Valley Insulation helps those applying through every step of the process, from eligibility checks to arranging surveys and installations by experts who are certified. They work with energy companies as well as scheme managers to obtain funds for homeowners, assisting them in reducing energy bills and enhancing the comfort of their homes. Their expertise and track record can provide reassurance to those who have to navigate the changing grant landscape.
What Happens After ECO4?
When ECO4 is over, there’s no guarantee that an immediate replacement will reflect the entirety of it. However, the UK government’s determination to cut carbon emissions and enhance energy efficiency implies that other schemes are likely to be in operation, although in various ways.
Two of the major trends to be on the lookout for are:
Local Grants
Local authorities will have a greater role to play. These grants typically combine insulation with other energy-saving improvements. They might offer flexible funding choices based on household income and the type of property.
Broader Energy Support Plans
The government’s Warm Homes Plan and other energy policies in the near future concentrate more on low-carbon technologies. Although insulation will be considered a necessity, it may be a part of a larger package of home energy that includes solar panels, heat pumps, and modern heating systems. This change is part of a larger plan to decarbonize homes, but it also implies that homeowners need to understand the changes in requirements and deadlines.
Final Thoughts
Absolutely, the grants for insulation that are free remain available until 2026. However, they’re currently in their last phase. It is important to note that the ECO4 scheme, the principal source of fully-funded insulation grants, will end at the end of March 2026. This means that households with eligibility are able to act swiftly in order to benefit from insulation grants while they are still able to. Other schemes, including those offered by the Great British Insulation Scheme and local grant programs, continue to provide support, but the availability differs.
Grants for insulation could save homeowners hundreds of dollars on energy bills each year, make homes more livable, and reduce carbon emissions. Although the future of these grants is set to change as a result of new plans from the government, it is important to know which ones to search for and how to apply is crucial.
If you are interested in free grants for insulation that are free, having a knowledgeable and trusted partner, such as Thames Valley Insulation, can ease the process of obtaining funding and installing.