The Warm Homes Plan offers up to £30,000 of fully funded energy efficiency improvements for eligible households. This guide covers who qualifies, what measures are included, and how to apply in 2026.
The Warm Homes Plan is the UK government's flagship energy efficiency scheme for 2026, offering eligible households up to £30,000 of fully funded improvements at no cost to the homeowner.
This guide covers everything you need to know: who qualifies, what measures are included, and the exact steps to apply.
What Is the Warm Homes Plan?
The Warm Homes Plan replaces and significantly expands on the previous ECO4 scheme. It is funded through the government's energy efficiency commitments and delivered by certified installers across England.
Unlike previous schemes, the Warm Homes Plan has a higher funding cap per property and covers a broader range of measures, including heat pumps and smart heating controls alongside traditional insulation.
Who Qualifies for the Warm Homes Plan?
There are two main routes to eligibility.
Route 1: Income-Based Eligibility. Households with a total annual income below £36,000 and a property with an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G qualify under the income-based route. Both conditions must be met. Owner-occupiers and private renters are eligible, though landlords cannot apply directly.
Route 2: Area-Based Eligibility. Households living in one of the most deprived postcodes in England may qualify regardless of income, provided the property has an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G. This route uses the Index of Multiple Deprivation to identify eligible areas.
What Measures Are Covered?
The Warm Homes Plan funds a wide range of energy efficiency improvements, including:
Loft insulation: topping up or installing insulation in the roof space to reduce heat loss through the ceiling.
Cavity wall insulation: filling the gap between the inner and outer walls with insulating material.
Internal wall insulation: adding insulated boards to the inside surface of solid walls where cavity fill is not possible.
First-time central heating: installing a full gas central heating system in properties that have never had one.
Air source heat pumps: replacing old gas boilers with low-carbon heat pump systems in properties suitable for the technology.
Smart heating controls: fitting programmable thermostats and smart radiator valves to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
All measures are fully funded. There is no loan, no repayment, and no charge to the eligible household.
How to Apply for the Warm Homes Plan in 2026
Step 1: Check your eligibility. Use the eligibility checker at cucumbereco.co.uk or call our free advice line to find out whether your household qualifies under the income or area-based route.
Step 2: Book a free home assessment. A qualified surveyor will visit your property to assess its current energy performance, identify suitable measures, and confirm eligibility. This visit is free of charge.
Step 3: Receive your improvement plan. Following the survey, you will receive a written plan setting out the recommended measures, the estimated improvement to your EPC rating, and the projected savings on your energy bills.
Step 4: Installation. A certified installer will carry out the approved works. Most installations are completed within one to three days. You do not need to be home for the entire duration, but access must be provided.
Step 5: Post-installation assessment. Once the work is complete, your property will be reassessed to confirm the improvement in energy performance and update your EPC rating.
How Long Does the Warm Homes Plan Run?
The current round of the scheme is running throughout 2026. Funding is allocated on a rolling basis, and there is no fixed closing date, but applications are processed in order of receipt and funding can be exhausted in high-demand areas.
We recommend applying as early as possible to avoid delays.
Why Apply Through Cucumber Energy?
Cucumber Energy is a free energy consultancy operating across England and Wales. We handle the application process on your behalf, liaise with installers, and support you from initial assessment through to completed installation. There is no fee for our service at any stage.
To find out whether your household qualifies and to start your application, visit cucumbereco.co.uk or call our free advice line.