Both ECO4 and GBIS offer free home insulation, but they target different households. Understanding which scheme you qualify for could save you thousands on energy bills.
What’s the Difference Between ECO4 and GBIS?
GBIS (Great British Insulation Scheme) targets homes in lower council tax bands, focusing on cavity wall and loft insulation.
ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation) is income-based, offering a wider range of energy efficiency measures including insulation, heating upgrades, and renewable energy installations.
GBIS Eligibility
You may qualify for GBIS if you meet all of these:
✅ Council tax band A-D
✅ Own your home or privately rent
✅ Property built 1930s-1980s (with cavity walls)
What GBIS Covers:
- Cavity wall insulation
- Loft insulation
GBIS ends March 2026 – time is running out to claim.
ECO4 Eligibility
You may qualify for ECO4 if:
✅ Household income under £31,000/year
OR
✅ You receive certain benefits (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credits, etc.)
What ECO4 Covers:
- Cavity wall and loft insulation
- Solid wall insulation (internal and external)
- Heating system upgrades and new boilers
- Air source heat pumps
- Solar panels (in some cases)
ECO4 is more comprehensive than GBIS and is likely to run past March 2026.
Can You Qualify for Both?
In some cases, yes! If you meet both sets of criteria, you might be able to access measures from both schemes. However, you can’t claim the same improvement twice (e.g., you can’t get cavity wall insulation from both schemes).
A qualified assessor can determine which scheme offers you the most benefit.
Which Scheme is Better?
It depends on your circumstances:
Choose GBIS if:
- You’re in council tax band A-D
- You only need cavity wall or loft insulation
- Your income is above £31,000
Choose ECO4 if:
- Your household income is under £31,000 or you receive benefits
- You need more than just insulation (e.g., new heating system)
- You have solid walls that need insulating
- You’re interested in renewable energy measures
How to Check Your Eligibility
Checking your eligibility for ECO4 or GBIS is straightforward:
- Check your council tax band (on your council tax bill)
- Check your household income (total annual income)
- Identify what improvements your home needs
An experienced installer like TLC Home Group can assess your home and determine which scheme (or combination of schemes) offers you the best outcome.
ECO4 and GBIS Across Essex, Suffolk & East London
TLC Home Group helps homeowners and private renters across Essex, Suffolk, and East London access both ECO4 and GBIS funding. We handle the entire process, from eligibility assessment to professional installation.
Not sure which scheme you qualify for? Contact TLC Home Group today for a free eligibility assessment and find out how much you could save.
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