HES vs ECO4 Scotland — Which Grant Wins for Your Situation?

In some cases, yes — HES and ECO4 can fund different measures on the same property. For example, a property could receive HES support for a heat pump and ECO4 funding for solar panels or insulation, provided the measures don't overlap. You cannot receive both HES and ECO4 for the same measure (e.g., two heat pump grants). Your specific eligibility depends on your property, heating type, income and benefits status. Call 0141 230 0198 for a free combined eligibility assessment.

For oil heating properties, HES heat pump grant is typically the better option if you don't qualify for ECO4, as it's available to all income levels and provides up to £18,000 for rural properties (£9,000 grant + £9,000 interest-free loan). If you do qualify for ECO4 (EPC D-G + qualifying benefits), check ECO4 first as it may be fully funded at £0 upfront. Both schemes can potentially apply to the same property for different measures. Call 0141 230 0198 to compare.

No. The HES heat pump grant is available to all income levels — you do not need to be receiving benefits to qualify. The grant targets properties not connected to mains gas (oil, LPG, electric heating). The only means-tested HES scheme is Warmer Homes Scotland. ECO4, in contrast, does require qualifying benefits plus an EPC D-G rating.

If you qualify for ECO4 (EPC D-G + qualifying benefits), it may be better for the specific measures ECO4 covers because it is fully funded with no upfront cost. HES provides £7,500 grant + £7,500 loan (£9k + £9k rural), meaning some upfront contribution may be required. However, both schemes can cover different measures on the same property. Check ECO4 first for any solar or insulation needs; use HES for the heat pump. A combined assessment via 0141 230 0198 gives the clearest picture.

HES heat pump applications typically take 6–10 weeks from application to approval and installation. ECO4 assessments and installations can take 8–16 weeks depending on the measures required and installer availability. Both require surveys and assessments before work can begin. If speed is important, 0% VAT on solar panels is instant — no application required, automatic at point of sale.

Generally no. The HES heat pump grant prioritises properties not connected to mains gas — it targets homes on oil, LPG, or electric heating where heat pump economics are strongest. Gas-connected properties typically do not qualify for HES heat pump support. ECO4 is available to gas-connected properties if the EPC D-G and benefits criteria are met. For gas properties, 0% VAT solar (until March 2027) is the most accessible green incentive.

The HES solar PV grant closed in June 2024 and is no longer available. ECO4 can fund solar panels for qualifying households (EPC D-G + qualifying benefits). For all other homeowners, 0% VAT on solar panels (saving approximately £700–£2,400) is available until 31 March 2027 with no application required. Register for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) after installation for ongoing export earnings.

The HES rural heat pump package is the higher fixed-value grant at £18,000 total (£9,000 non-repayable grant + £9,000 interest-free loan). ECO4 has no fixed maximum — it fully funds the measures required for the property, assessed case by case. A complex ECO4 installation covering solar, loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and a heat pump could exceed £18,000 in total funded value for qualifying households.