What is an air source heat pump?

An air source heat pump transfers heat from the outside air to water, which then heats your rooms via radiators or underfloor heating. It can also heat water stored in a hot water cylinder for your hot taps, showers and baths.

An air source heat pump uses the same technique as your home refrigerator (but in reverse) to extract heat from the outside air and can work efficiently even at temperatures as low as -20°C.

Heat pumps require electricity to run, however, the heat generated far outweighs the energy required to run the heat pump. For example, if an air source heat pump is running at a temperature of 35°C they are usually over 400% efficient.

This means that for every 1kWh of electricity the air source heat pump uses, it generates over 4kWh of heat.

Many governments offer grants or incentives, like the UK’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme, to encourage the adoption of ASHPs

The Energy Saving Trust have produced this video which we hope will help you:

What is the Eco4 Scheme?

The Eco4 Scheme is a government program aimed at offering financial support for energy-efficient upgrades to homes. Its primary objective is to assist households, especially those with lower incomes, in lowering their energy expenses and enhancing the comfort of their residences through improvements like insulation, heating systems, and other vital components.

ECO4 Eligibility Criteria:

• Income-based Benefits: To qualify for ECO4, you or someone in your household must be receiving one or more of the following benefits:
• Is replacing a fossil fuel heating system (such as oil, gas or electric)

• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income Support
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• Universal Credit
• Working Tax Credit
• Child Tax Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Pension Credit Savings Credit

Fuel Poverty: If your home is in a fuel-poor area (as identified by government data) or has a low energy efficiency rating, you may be eligible even if you are not receiving any of the above benefits.

Energy Efficiency of Home: The energy efficiency of your home is considered through its Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. ECO4 aims to improve homes with lower energy efficiency ratings:

Homes with EPC ratings of D, E, F, or G (where G is the least efficient) are prioritised for improvements.

Additional Considerations:

Local Authority Flexibility (LA Flex): Local authorities have some flexibility in identifying households in need of help under the LA Flex element of the ECO4 scheme. Even if you don’t qualify through the standard benefits, you might still be eligible if your local authority recognizes you as vulnerable to cold homes or high energy costs.

CHECK YOUR ECO4 SCHEME ELIGIBILITY

I’m a Landlord, can I get any help?

Eligible Tenants: Your tenant must meet the eligibility criteria for ECO4, meaning they should be receiving one or more of the income-based benefits (such as Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, etc.) or living in fuel poverty. Tenants in homes with low Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings may also qualify.

Energy Efficiency Rating:

• The property must have an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G. ECO4 focuses on properties with poor energy efficiency, and the goal is to upgrade them to higher efficiency standards

• Landlords can benefit by upgrading their properties to comply with future energy efficiency regulations and potentially increasing property value.

If your rental property qualifies under the scheme, you can apply for help to make energy efficiency improvements, such as:

• Installing insulation (loft, wall, or floor)
• Upgrading heating systems with air source heat pumps or efficient boilers
• Adding solar panels or other renewable energy systems

Key Points to Consider:

• Landlord Permission: Even though tenants may qualify, as a landlord, you must give permission for the improvements to be made.

CHECK YOUR ECO4 SCHEME ELIGIBILITY