5 Myths about ECO4: Debunked
5 Common Myths About ECO4: Debunked!
The ECO4 scheme is one of the UK’s biggest opportunities to improve energy efficiency, cut household bills, and reduce carbon emissions. Yet despite its benefits, ECO4 is often misunderstood. From who qualifies to what measures are covered, myths and misconceptions stop many households and landlords from taking advantage of the funding available. The truth is that ECO4 is far more flexible and inclusive than most people realise. In this article, we’ll debunk five of the most common myths about ECO4 so you can see the scheme for what it really is — a chance to make your home warmer, greener, and cheaper to run, often at little to no cost.
Myth 1: "ECO4 is only for people on benefits."
This is perhaps the biggest misconception about ECO4. While it’s true that households receiving certain benefits automatically qualify, that’s not the whole story. The scheme includes something called ECO4 Flex, which allows local authorities to widen eligibility to households that don’t receive benefits. For example, a family with a gross household income under £31,000 may qualify, even if no one claims benefits. Local councils can also set their own criteria, such as targeting properties in specific postcodes or homes occupied by vulnerable residents.
The bottom line? ECO4 is not just for those on benefits. A wide range of households, including working families and landlords with tenants on modest incomes, may already qualify without even realising it.
Myth 2: “Only homeowners can apply for ECO4.”
Another common myth is that ECO4 excludes tenants and landlords. In reality, the scheme applies across all housing sectors, including private rentals and housing association properties. In fact, landlords stand to gain a lot from ECO4, since it helps them meet Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) without paying for costly upgrades out of pocket. Tenants also benefit from warmer homes and lower bills, which makes rental properties more attractive.
So whether you own your home, rent privately, or let out property as a landlord, ECO4 can apply to you. The scheme is designed to improve the overall housing stock, not just one ownership category.
Myth 3: “ECO4 only funds insulation.”
When most people think of ECO4, they immediately picture cavity wall or loft insulation. While insulation is a huge part of the scheme — and one of the most effective ways to improve energy performance — it’s far from the only option. ECO4 also funds air source heat pumps, solar PV panels, first-time central heating, heating controls, room-in-roof insulation, external wall insulation, storage heaters, and underfloor insulation.
This variety means that ECO4 isn’t just about sealing up draughts; it’s about transforming homes into energy-efficient spaces using a mix of modern solutions. Whether your property needs a renewable energy source, upgraded heating, or better insulation, ECO4 has it covered.
Myth 4: "The process is complicated and time-consuming"
Government funding schemes often carry a reputation for being bureaucratic and confusing, but ECO4 is designed to be straightforward. Most of the heavy lifting is done by approved installers, who handle the survey, paperwork, and application process. For households, the main requirement is providing some basic documents to prove eligibility, such as bank statements or utility bills. Once approved, installations are arranged quickly and with minimal disruption.
Far from being a headache, ECO4 is one of the simplest ways to upgrade your property without dipping into your own pocket. The process is streamlined because energy suppliers are obligated to fund these improvements, meaning they have every reason to make it efficient and accessible.
Myth 5: “ECO4 doesn’t make much of a difference.”
Some people believe that ECO4 upgrades are too small to have a real impact, but the evidence says otherwise. At the halfway point of the scheme, more than 400,000 individual measures had been installed in over 100,000 homes. These upgrades range from insulation that slashes heat loss to renewable technologies that cut reliance on grid energy. The result is lower energy bills, higher EPC ratings, warmer homes, and improved property values.
For landlords, ECO4 is often the difference between compliance and a property that cannot legally be rented. For homeowners, it’s a way to enjoy long-term savings without upfront costs. And for everyone, it represents a chance to reduce carbon emissions and contribute to the UK’s net-zero targets.
The Truth About ECO4
ECO4 is one of the most effective ways to improve energy efficiency in UK homes, yet myths and misinformation often get in the way. It’s not just for people on benefits, it’s not limited to homeowners, and it’s about much more than insulation. The process is straightforward, and the impact is significant.
If your property has an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G, you may already qualify for free or heavily subsidised upgrades under ECO4. The scheme runs until March 2026, but funding is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Don’t let outdated myths stop you from accessing improvements that could save money, increase comfort, and future-proof your property.
