Maintaining a warm home while keeping energy bills under control is a real challenge for many low-income households. In Scotland, the weather makes it even harder. Either you face the cold or you face high bills.
To help with this, several home heating grants are available across Scotland. These grants not only make homes warmer and more affordable to run but also help reduce carbon emissions and support the shift to greener energy.
If you want to save on energy bills, upgrade your home, and keep a comfortable temperature indoors, here are the main schemes you should know about.
Energy Company Obligation Phase 4 (ECO4) Scheme
A UK-wide government scheme, including Scotland, focused on helping vulnerable households improve energy efficiency.
What It Covers:
-
Free Boiler Grants
-
First-Time Central Heating Grants
-
Air Source Heat Pump Grants
-
Insulation Grants
Who Can Apply:
-
Households receiving benefits
-
Homes with a boiler installed before 2005
-
Homes with a gas meter installed
-
EPC rating of D or below
Note: This scheme doesn’t apply to park homes, council properties, or non-residential buildings.
Benefits:
-
Save up to £300 annually on energy bills
-
Contribute to the UK’s net-zero 2050 target
Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan Scheme
Run by Home Energy Scotland, this scheme combines grants and interest-free loans to help households cut energy costs and reduce emissions.
Funding Breakdown:
-
Up to £7,500 for insulation (loft, cavity wall, roof)
-
Up to £7,500 for heating systems (e.g., air source heat pumps)
-
Extra £1,500 available for rural households
-
Total funding: Up to £18,000
This option is especially useful if you’re looking for both upfront support and flexible payment options.
Warmer Homes Scotland
A government-backed scheme for Scottish households most at risk of fuel poverty.
What It Covers:
-
Wall and loft insulation
-
Draught-proofing
-
New gas or electric boilers
-
Replacement of old heating systems
The program helps households cut long-term energy costs while improving overall comfort and efficiency.
Local Authority Schemes
Alongside national grants, several councils in Scotland run their own schemes.
Examples:
-
Aberdeen City Council’s Fuel Poverty Scheme – Support for heating upgrades and insulation.
-
Edinburgh’s Home Energy Efficiency Program – Focuses on insulation and heating for vulnerable groups like pensioners and disabled residents.
-
Glasgow’s Home Energy Support Fund – Provides help with heating system repairs or replacements.
Local residents should check with their councils for eligibility and application details.
Conclusion
Scottish households don’t have to choose between warmth and high energy bills. With national, Scottish government, and local authority schemes, there are several ways to access support for insulation, heating upgrades, and greener systems.
These grants not only make homes more comfortable but also play a role in the fight against climate change by cutting carbon emissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for heating grants in Scotland?
Eligibility depends on the scheme. Most focus on low-income households, people receiving benefits, or homes with poor energy efficiency ratings (EPC D or below).
Yes, both renters and homeowners can apply, but you may need your landlord’s permission for certain improvements.
Do I need to repay the grants?
No, grants do not need to be repaid. However, if you use a loan (such as from Home Energy Scotland), repayment terms will apply.
How much money can I save through these grants?
Savings vary. ECO4 can reduce bills by up to £300 annually, while insulation and heating upgrades under other schemes may offer even higher long-term savings.
How do I apply for these schemes?
Applications can usually be made online through government websites, Home Energy Scotland, or your local council. Some installers also help with the process.
Abdul Basit 
Qamer Javed