What Are ECO4 Installer Services? A Simple Guide to UK Energy Grants

ECO4 installers are certified professionals who are authorized to install energy efficiency upgrades under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4). Their main purpose is to assess eligibility and implement energy efficiency measures. 

Before you finalize an ECO4 installer, make sure they are PAS 2035 compliant, TrustMark accredited and Safe Gas or MCS approved. Choosing certified installers is crucial to ensure the quality of installation and safeguard government funding for energy efficiency measures. 

Services Offered by ECO4 Installers

ECO4 installers provide all the services required to improve the energy efficiency of UK households. These services include assessments, installations, and support to maintain the energy efficiency of homes in the UK. 

Here are the services offered by ECO4 installers under the ECO4 scheme:

1. Home Energy Efficiency Assessment: Before applying on your behalf, ECO4 installers perform a site survey for an energy efficiency assessment of the property. This assessment includes energy consumption patterns, and energy efficiency audits through EPCs and makes recommendations for improvements. 
2. Insulation Services: these services include insulation improvements like loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, solid wall insulation, and floor insulation. Under ECO4 insulations, the installers use qualified insulation materials such as fibreglass, polystyrene beads, mineral wool, and rigid foam boards. 
3. Heating System Upgrades: to reduce energy costs, ECO4 installers upgrade inefficient heating systems with energy-efficient alternatives. Those upgrades include energy-efficient boilers, air source heat pumps, and smart heating system controls.
4. Renewable Energy Sources: ECO4 installers install renewable energy sources such as solar panels, heat pumps, and battery storage solutions. 

This way, ECO4 installers contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions and alleviating fuel poverty. 

Eligibility for ECO4 Support

Under the ECO4 scheme, you can avail of various energy efficiency and heating measures. However, to qualify for those improvements, you need to meet the following criteria:

1. You should be a benefit recipient of government assistance to be eligible for ECO4 funding. 
2. Your Boiler System must be Installed before 2005 (if you need boiler upgradation)
3. The gas meter of your property must be installed before April 2022. (heat pumps will be installed if no gas meter is installed)
4. Your property’s EPC rating must be D, E, F, or G to meet low energy efficiency standards.
5. Property types should be eligible for heating upgrades under ECO4 funding. (only excludes council properties, and park homes).

Homeowners, landlords, and tenants are eligible for these grants. However, if you are a tenant applying for improvements, you need permission from the landlord. 

How to Choose the Right ECO4 Installers?

To choose the right installation experts for your property, here are the factors you need to consider before making a decision:

1. Check the Accreditations and Certifications: The installers you choose for ECO4-funded improvements must have the following certifications and accreditations: 

• TrustMark Registered 
• PAS 2035 Complaint
• Safe Gas Approved
• MCS Approved

Once they meet the initial requirements, other requirements are just to boost confidence. 

2. Installers Must Have Experience with ECO4-funded Projects: Experience with ECO4-funded projects makes them the preferred choice as this will make their process streamlined and help you avoid any mishaps. 

3. Check if they Provide Post-Installation Support: there is always a possibility of requiring post-installation support, so make sure the installer you choose provides that too.