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Insulation Grants in Scotland

Funding guidance for wall, loft, and floor insulation improvements across Scotland

Insulation Funding Overview

Insulation funding in Scotland is available through multiple routes depending on property type, household circumstances, and current heating system:

Home Energy Scotland schemes - Insulation grants up to £7,500 for qualifying households
ECO4 schemes - Energy Company Obligation providing free or subsidized insulation
Warmer Homes Scotland - Support for vulnerable households
Council schemes - Some local authorities operate area-based programs

All funding is subject to eligibility assessment. Insulation may be required before heat pump grants are approved.

Types of Insulation Covered

Cavity Wall Insulation

For properties built between 1920s-1990s with cavity walls (double-skin walls with a gap between).

Typical Support

• Often fully funded under ECO schemes for eligible households
• Quick installation (usually 1 day)
• Significant energy savings potential

Solid Wall Insulation

For older properties without cavity walls. Can be internal or external insulation.

Typical Support

• Higher grant amounts due to greater costs
• May require planning permission for external
• Often prioritized in fuel poverty schemes

Loft Insulation

Topping up or installing loft insulation to current recommended depths (270mm+).

Typical Support

• Frequently available through ECO schemes
• Often combined with cavity wall insulation
• Lower cost measure with good returns

Floor Insulation

Underfloor insulation for properties with suspended floors or basements.

Typical Support

• Available through Home Energy Scotland packages
• May be required for heat pump eligibility
• Addresses cold floors and draughts

Main Insulation Schemes

Home Energy Scotland

Primary route for insulation grants in Scotland, often combined with heating upgrades

Grant Support

Grants up to £7,500 available for qualifying households. Amount depends on measures required, property characteristics, and household income.

Insulation is often prioritized as a prerequisite for heat pump installations. Properties must meet minimum insulation standards to maximize heat pump efficiency.

Eligibility: Means-tested based on household income and circumstances. Priority for fuel-poor households, certain benefits recipients, and properties with poor EPC ratings.

ECO

Energy Company Obligation (ECO4)

UK-wide scheme requiring energy suppliers to fund energy efficiency measures for eligible households

What ECO Covers

→Cavity wall and loft insulation often fully funded
→Solid wall insulation for eligible properties
→Combined insulation and heating measures
→No upfront cost for qualifying households

Eligibility: Based on income, receipt of certain benefits, property EPC rating, and property type. Different criteria than Home Energy Scotland schemes. Check with ECO providers or Home Energy Scotland for eligibility.

Warmer Homes Scotland

Targeted support for vulnerable households at risk of fuel poverty

Comprehensive Packages

Warmer Homes Scotland provides whole-house assessments and comprehensive packages including insulation and heating improvements at no cost to qualifying households.

Eligibility based on receipt of certain benefits and property assessment. Administered through Home Energy Scotland.

Check Insulation Grant Eligibility

Find out if you qualify for insulation funding in Scotland

Start Eligibility Check

Insulation Grant FAQs

Do I need to insulate before getting a heat pump?▼

Most heat pump grant schemes require properties to meet minimum insulation standards. Heat pumps work most efficiently in well-insulated properties. Home Energy Scotland will assess your property and may require insulation improvements before approving heat pump funding. Insulation grants can cover these necessary improvements.

What's the difference between Home Energy Scotland and ECO schemes?▼

Home Energy Scotland is the Scottish Government's advice and support service, offering grants and loans. ECO is a UK-wide obligation on energy suppliers. They have different eligibility criteria and may cover different measures. You cannot usually combine both for the same measure, but Home Energy Scotland can advise on which scheme you're eligible for.

Can I get free cavity wall insulation?▼

Many Scottish households qualify for free cavity wall insulation through ECO schemes or Warmer Homes Scotland. Eligibility typically depends on receipt of certain benefits or meeting income thresholds. Contact Home Energy Scotland for eligibility assessment. Properties must have suitable cavity walls (not all do).

How much does solid wall insulation cost?▼

Solid wall insulation typically costs £8,000-£15,000+ depending on property size and whether internal or external insulation is used. Grant funding up to £7,500 may be available through Home Energy Scotland for qualifying households, with loans available for remaining costs. Some ECO providers offer solid wall insulation support. Costs and support vary significantly by property.

This page provides general information on insulation grant funding in Scotland. Eligibility and available support vary by household circumstances, property characteristics, and scheme availability. Always verify current eligibility and funding levels with Home Energy Scotland or relevant scheme providers before proceeding with insulation work.