Going green at home isn’t just good for the environment—it can also save you a significant amount of money over time. With energy prices remaining unpredictable and climate concerns growing, more UK homeowners are looking for ways to make their properties more efficient, comfortable, and future-ready.
Fortunately, there’s support available. Across the UK, several government-backed schemes are designed to help households upgrade their homes with energy-saving measures. These schemes aim to reduce carbon emissions, tackle fuel poverty, and help the country transition to a low-carbon future.
Whether you live in a detached house, a terraced property, or a flat, there are options to suit different building types and budgets. From insulation and heating to renewable energy systems, these upgrades don’t just cut costs—they can also increase your home’s value and reduce your reliance on fossil fuels.
If you’re considering making improvements, here are five of the most effective and widely supported green upgrades available under current UK government schemes.
1. Loft and Cavity Wall Insulation
The Quickest Way to Cut Heat Loss
Poor insulation is one of the biggest reasons for heat escaping from British homes. In fact, around 25% of heat can be lost through an uninsulated loft, and even more through walls.
Government initiatives, including the ECO4 scheme, offer support for insulating:
- Lofts (with recommended 270mm+ insulation)
- Cavity walls in post-1920s homes
- Internal or external solid walls
These upgrades are often free for eligible households and can instantly lower heating bills.
2. Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP)
A Cleaner Alternative to Gas Boilers
Air source heat pumps are rising in popularity—and for good reason. They extract heat from the outside air and use it to warm your home and hot water.
Under schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), homeowners can receive grants of up to £7,500 to install an ASHP. This makes the transition to low-carbon heating much more accessible.
Benefits include:
- Reduced carbon emissions
- Lower running costs over time
- Compatible with underfloor heating
- Long lifespan with minimal maintenance
3. Solar Panels (PV)
Generating Your Own Power
Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight into electricity. Even in the UK’s cloudy climate, they can power your home and reduce your energy bills.
Some local councils offer grants or loans to support solar panel installations. Additionally, the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) allows you to earn money by exporting surplus energy back to the grid.
While not fully funded by the government, support exists to ease the upfront cost, particularly when combined with other energy-saving upgrades.
4. High-Performance Glazing and Doors
Keep the Warmth In
Windows and doors are often the weakest points in a home’s thermal envelope. Even with good insulation elsewhere, outdated glazing can lead to significant heat loss, draughts, and discomfort—especially during colder months.
Modern double and triple-glazed windows use advanced glass coatings, gas fills (like argon), and insulated frames to reduce heat transfer. Similarly, energy-efficient external doors with insulated cores and proper seals help maintain a stable indoor temperature while blocking out cold air and moisture.
The benefits go beyond warmth:
- Lower energy bills from reduced heat loss
- Increased indoor comfort, especially near windows
- Better noise reduction, ideal for homes near roads or busy areas
- Improved security, thanks to modern multi-point locking systems
- Higher property value and better EPC ratings
While replacing all windows and doors can be expensive, it’s a long-term investment in both energy performance and quality of life.
Funding Options
High-performance glazing and doors rarely qualify for standalone funding under national schemes. However, they are often bundled into larger retrofit packages. For example:
- The Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) may fund door and window replacements if they contribute to lifting your home’s EPC rating from E, F, or G to C or above.
- In some regions, local authorities also offer limited grants or zero-interest loans for window and door upgrades—especially in conservation or high-risk fuel poverty areas.
If you’re planning wider home improvements, it’s worth asking your retrofit assessor or installer whether high-performance glazing can be incorporated into your funding plan.
5. Smart Heating Controls
Small Devices, Big Savings
Smart thermostats and heating controls help manage energy use more efficiently. They can learn your schedule, respond to weather changes, and be controlled from your phone.
Although often overlooked, these devices are sometimes covered under ECO4 scheme measures or offered at discounted rates through local authority programmes.
6. Making It Happen
How to Access Government Support for Green Upgrades
Understanding which scheme applies to your home—and how to apply—can feel overwhelming. But once you break it down, the process is more straightforward than it seems.
First, check which government-backed energy efficiency schemes are currently active in your area. The main ones include:
- ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation) – Available to low-income households, this scheme covers a wide range of home improvements, including insulation, heating upgrades, and smart controls.
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) – Offers grants of up to £7,500 to replace oil or gas boilers with air source or ground source heat pumps.
- Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) – Aimed at off-gas-grid homes in England, this supports a range of insulation and heating upgrades.
- Local Authority Delivery (LAD) – Regional funding, managed by councils, for improving energy efficiency in lower-income homes.
- Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) – Not a grant, but allows you to earn money by exporting excess solar energy to the grid.
Step-by-Step: Getting Started
- Check Your Eligibility
Most schemes are aimed at households on certain benefits, or homes with poor EPC ratings. Use government websites or local energy advice services to check. - Find a Registered Installer
Work only with certified professionals. TrustMark or MCS-accredited ECO 4 scheme installers can guide you through the process, carry out assessments, and apply on your behalf. - Get a Home Assessment
An installer will assess your property to determine which measures are suitable. They’ll look at your current insulation, heating system, and EPC rating. - Apply for the Scheme
In many cases, your installer submits the application for you. You may need to provide documents like proof of income, property ownership, or tenancy. - Installation and Follow-Up
Once approved, installation is arranged. Some schemes may also include post-installation checks or a new EPC to confirm the improvement.
Extra Tip
Funding is limited and can vary by region, so acting early is important. Keep an eye on council websites, energy company announcements, and local retrofit programmes—they’re often the first to promote new rounds of support.
Final Thought
Upgrading your home doesn’t have to cost a fortune—and it doesn’t have to happen all at once. Many households start with small changes like loft insulation or draught-proofing, then move on to larger improvements like heat pumps or solar panels over time. Every step counts.
Thanks to a growing number of government-backed schemes, the cost barrier is lower than ever. Whether you’re eligible for full funding or partial support, these programmes are designed to make energy efficiency upgrades more accessible—especially for households that need it most.
By improving your home’s energy performance, you can:
- Cut monthly energy bills
- Reduce carbon emissions and support the UK’s net-zero goals
- Improve comfort year-round, especially in older or colder homes
- Increase property value and EPC rating
- Future-proof your home against rising energy prices
If you’re even considering eco improvements, now’s the time to explore what help is available. Funding windows can close quickly, and demand often outpaces supply—especially for high-value upgrades like insulation and heating systems.
Take the first step: check your eligibility, speak to certified installers, and build a simple plan. A warmer, greener, cheaper-to-run home might be closer than you think.
