Save on Bills with a Free Loft Insulation Grant

Most UK homeowners and tenants want to cut their energy bills, especially with prices continuing to rise. But not everyone knows there’s financial help available—like the free loft insulation grant. It’s part of a government-backed effort to make homes more energy-efficient. If you qualify, you could reduce your heating costs without spending a penny on insulation.

And that’s not all. You may also be eligible for the new boiler scheme, which can replace outdated systems with efficient ones for free or at a low cost. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how these grants work, who qualifies, and how real households are already saving hundreds each year.

What Is the Free Loft Insulation Grant?

The free loft insulation grant is part of the UK’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme. It helps low-income households and people on certain benefits insulate their lofts without paying out of pocket.

Insulating your loft properly can prevent up to 25% of your home’s heat from escaping through the roof. This means you use less energy to keep warm, and your bills go down.

Who qualifies?

• Homeowners or tenants with their landlord’s permission

• People receiving benefits like Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Child Tax Credit

• Homes with poor energy efficiency ratings

If you’re not on benefits, some providers offer support based on income, home type, and heating systems.

Real-World Example: Saving £300+ Per Year

Case Study: The Johnson Family – Manchester
Before the grant, the Johnsons spent over £1,400 a year on heating their semi-detached home. Their loft had old insulation that wasn’t up to standard. After applying for the free loft insulation grant, a local provider installed brand-new insulation within a week.

Result: Their annual heating bill dropped by more than £300. “We didn’t realize how much heat we were losing,” said Mr. Johnson. “Now the house stays warm longer, and we barely touch the thermostat.”

The New Boiler Scheme: Extra Help for Heating Costs

Alongside loft insulation, the new boiler scheme under the ECO4 initiative provides free or heavily subsidized boiler replacements.

An old, inefficient boiler can waste up to 55% of the energy it uses. The new boiler scheme replaces these with A-rated condensing boilers, significantly improving energy use.

Eligibility for the new boiler scheme is similar to the loft insulation grant. You must either:

• Be on qualifying benefits

• Live in a low-income or fuel-poor household

• Have an old or broken boiler

These schemes often work together. Many UK residents qualify for both, meaning double the savings.

How to Apply for a Free Loft Insulation Grant

Applying is easier than you might think. Here’s a simple process to follow:

1. Check if you qualify
   Use government or energy provider websites to see if you meet the criteria. Some trusted providers include British Gas, EDF, and local council schemes.

2. Submit your application
   Fill in a short form online or call the provider. You’ll need proof of income, benefits, or tenancy if renting.

3. Book a home assessment
   An approved installer will visit your home to check your current insulation and energy setup.

4. Get installation done for free
   If you qualify, professionals will install the insulation within days. You pay nothing—no upfront or hidden costs.

More Than Just Savings: Comfort and Carbon Cuts

While saving money is a huge win, the benefits of loft insulation go further:

• More comfort: No more cold draughts or uneven room temperatures

• Higher property value: Energy-efficient homes sell faster and for more

• Environmental impact: A well-insulated home emits less CO2

According to the Energy Saving Trust, installing proper loft insulation in a typical semi-detached house can save up to £285 per year and cut carbon emissions by over 600 kg annually.

Common Myths About the Grant—Busted

“It’s too good to be true.”
It’s real, and it’s funded by the largest energy suppliers as part of their government-mandated obligation to reduce carbon emissions.

“Only homeowners qualify.”
Tenants can apply too—with permission from their landlords.

“It’ll take forever to get approved.”
In many cases, approval and installation happen in under two weeks.

Providers Offering Free Loft Insulation and Boiler Grants

You don’t have to go far to find help. Here are some trusted names in the UK:

• British Gas Energy Trust

• E.ON Energy Fund

• Octopus Energy ECO4 Scheme

• Local councils (e.g., Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool)

Make sure the installer is TrustMark registered, which ensures quality and compliance.

Final Thoughts

Energy prices aren’t likely to drop anytime soon, but your bills can. By tapping into the free loft insulation grant, you’ll make your home more efficient and save money year after year. And if you combine it with the new boiler scheme, the savings only grow.