The Bigger Picture
The UK government has committed to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and improving the energy efficiency of the country's 29 million homes is a central part of that plan. In 2026, several policy changes and market shifts are affecting how homeowners heat and insulate their properties.
Here's a summary of what matters most.
ECO4 Enters Its Final Phase
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme has been running since 2022 and is due to end in March 2026. Energy suppliers are required to deliver a set number of energy efficiency improvements to qualifying homes, and as the deadline approaches, activity is accelerating.
What this means for homeowners:
- More funding is being released as suppliers race to meet targets
- Eligibility criteria haven't changed - benefits-based and ECO Flex routes still apply
- Demand is increasing - survey and installation wait times may grow
If you've been thinking about applying, now is the time. Check your eligibility before the scheme closes.
GBIS Continues to Deliver
The Great British Insulation Scheme is also in its delivery phase, funding insulation for homes in council tax bands A-D. This scheme has been particularly effective at reaching homeowners who don't receive means-tested benefits but still live in poorly insulated properties.
Measures funded include cavity wall, loft, underfloor, and solid wall insulation. If your home is draughty or expensive to heat, it's worth checking whether GBIS can help.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme
The BUS continues to offer £7,500 towards heat pump installations, making the switch from gas or oil significantly more affordable. Take-up has grown steadily as heat pump technology improves and installer availability increases.
Key points for 2026:
- The £7,500 voucher applies to air source and ground source heat pumps
- Your existing boiler must be fossil fuel (gas, oil, or LPG)
- The property must have a valid EPC with no outstanding recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation
Energy Prices and the Price Cap
Ofgem's energy price cap continues to fluctuate, and the long-term trend for gas and electricity prices remains upward. For homeowners, this makes energy efficiency improvements more financially attractive than ever.
Every unit of energy you don't use is a unit you don't pay for - and as prices rise, the savings from insulation and efficient heating systems grow in proportion.
What Should Homeowners Do?
If you haven't already reviewed your home's energy efficiency, 2026 is a good year to act:
- Check your EPC rating - if it's D or below, there are likely cost-effective improvements available
- Check your eligibility for grants - you may qualify for fully funded measures
- Prioritise insulation first - it reduces demand before you upgrade your heating
- Consider a heat pump if your boiler is due for replacement
We're Here to Help
Navigating grants and regulations can be confusing. We help homeowners across Wirral, Liverpool, Chester, and the wider North West understand their options and access the funding they're entitled to.
Get in touch for a free, no-obligation conversation about what's available for your home.