What is the Warm Homes Plan in plain English?

The Warm Homes Plan is the Government’s programme to help households improve energy efficiency and adopt lower‑carbon heating and power where it makes sense, with the goals of lowering running costs, improving comfort, and reducing emissions. It isn’t one single grant; it’s a set of policies, funding routes and delivery changes that are meant to make upgrades easier to understand, safer to buy, and more accessible—especially for households most affected by cold homes and high bills.

Is the Warm Homes Plan one scheme I can apply to?

Not usually. Most people will engage with parts of the Plan through specific routes—such as a grant for low‑income households delivered locally, support for clean heating, or offers for finance to spread costs. Over time, the intention is that the “front door” becomes clearer so you spend less time hunting for the right scheme and more time getting the right work done.

Does the plan force me to change my boiler in 2027?

For most households, no. The Plan is designed to accelerate upgrades and improve standards rather than forcing an immediate swap in a single year. Where requirements tighten over time (particularly in rented homes), the practical impact is more likely to be felt at the point of letting, renovation, or when a heating system needs replacing, rather than as a sudden universal deadline.

Why does 2027 matter so much in the plan?

2027 is presented as a key point where the consumer journey is meant to become simpler and more coordinated, including clearer advice and oversight. In other words, it’s less about a single “start date” and more about the moment the programme aims to feel easier to use in real life—less confusing, with better signposting and stronger quality protections.

Should I wait until 2027 to upgrade my home?

If you can make sensible, low‑risk improvements now—like draught proofing, loft insulation top‑ups, fixing faulty extractor fans, or improving heating controls—it’s often worth doing rather than waiting. The most important thing is to avoid rushing into major measures (like wall insulation or a new heating system) without a proper assessment, because mistakes are expensive regardless of the year.

What will change year by year for households?

Early on, many households will still interact with existing schemes and local delivery programmes, while market capacity and guidance continue to improve. As the Plan scales, you should expect clearer advice routes, more consistent delivery in low‑income programmes, and wider uptake of clean heating and solar—alongside stronger expectations and standards, particularly in the rental sector.

Who is most likely to get fully funded support?

Households on lower incomes, those in fuel poverty, and people considered vulnerable (for example due to health conditions) are typically the groups prioritised for grant-funded support, because improving warmth and reducing damp risks can have immediate health and wellbeing benefits. Eligibility rules are set by scheme design, so the right approach is to check official criteria and local programmes rather than relying on marketing claims.

I’m not on benefits—can I still get help?

Yes, potentially. Some support is designed to be more universal, such as certain clean heat grants or broader finance offers, although there are still eligibility criteria based on property type, technology suitability and scheme rules. Even where there isn’t a grant, households may still benefit from advice, accredited installer routes, and discounted finance options if those develop as intended.

Does my EPC rating affect whether I qualify?

It often does, because EPCs are commonly used as a quick way to identify homes that are likely to benefit from efficiency upgrades. That said, EPCs are not perfect and don’t capture every detail of a home’s real-world performance. If you’re close to a threshold or your EPC is old, a fresh assessment can make a difference, and some schemes use additional data beyond EPC alone.

I’ve been contacted saying I’m “automatically eligible”—is that real?

Be cautious. Eligibility normally requires checks, and reputable providers will not guarantee funding before they have verified your circumstances and property suitability. Treat “automatic eligibility” messages—especially cold calls, texts, or doorstep visits—as a red flag until you’ve cross‑checked the claim through official sources or trusted advice channels.

What’s the difference between an EPC and a proper home assessment?

An EPC is a standardised certificate used for selling/letting and general recommendations, while a proper retrofit or upgrade assessment is designed to make sure specific measures will work in your specific home. For major decisions—like wall insulation, heat pumps, or whole‑house ventilation—you want the deeper assessment, because it considers heat loss, moisture risk, ventilation needs, and how systems should be designed and commissioned.

Do I need an assessment even if I already know what I want?

In most cases, yes—especially for high-cost measures. The biggest disappointments happen when people buy a technology first and only later discover their home needs enabling work (like insulation improvements, radiator upgrades, electrical upgrades, or ventilation changes). A good assessment doesn’t just tell you what to buy; it helps you avoid buying the wrong thing.

My EPC is several years old—should I get a new one?

If you’ve made changes since the EPC was issued, if you’re applying for support that uses EPC criteria, or if the certificate seems to misrepresent your home (for example, it lists insulation you don’t think exists), updating it can be worthwhile. If your goal is making decisions rather than compliance, a targeted home assessment may be even more useful than a new EPC alone.

Will insulating my home make damp and mould worse?

Insulation can reduce condensation risk by warming surfaces, but problems arise when homes are made tighter without adequate ventilation or when insulation is installed badly. The safe approach is to treat insulation, draught proofing and ventilation as a package: reduce heat loss, then ensure moisture is controlled with reliable extraction and fresh air pathways.

What are “no‑regrets” insulation measures?

No‑regrets measures are the ones that tend to work well in many UK homes when done correctly and with basic checks, such as topping up loft insulation where accessible, draught proofing around doors and windows (without blocking essential vents), and insulating hot water cylinders and pipework. They usually offer comfort improvements quickly and have relatively low disruption compared with wall or floor insulation.

Do I need to replace my windows to get a warmer home?

Not always. Many homes gain more from draught proofing, better curtains/blinds, and addressing key heat-loss routes like lofts and walls than from immediate full window replacement. If you do replace windows, the quality of installation and ventilation planning matter just as much as the glazing specification, because airtight new windows can change indoor humidity behaviour.

If my home already has mould, should I upgrade or fix the mould first?

Fix the causes first or in parallel, not last. Visible mould is a sign of an underlying moisture problem—such as poor ventilation, cold bridging, leaks, or inconsistent heating. Upgrades can help, but only if they include a plan for ventilation and moisture control; otherwise you risk trapping humidity in new ways.

Are heat pumps suitable for older UK homes?

Often, yes—but suitability depends on the home’s heat loss, insulation level, and the design of the heating system. Many older homes can run a heat pump comfortably once heat loss is reduced and radiators or emitters are sized properly for lower-temperature heating. The key is design and commissioning, not the age of the property on its own.

Do I need a hot water cylinder for a heat pump?

Most heat pump systems use a hot water cylinder, because they typically heat water differently from a combi boiler. If you currently rely on a combi boiler and you have limited space, this is an important early conversation—there are options, but space planning and realistic expectations are essential.

Will a heat pump definitely reduce my bills?

Not definitely. Running costs depend on your current fuel (gas, oil, LPG, direct electric), your insulation, how the system is sized and set up, and which tariff you’re on. A well-designed system in a reasonably insulated home, run steadily with good controls, is far more likely to deliver savings and comfort than a rushed install with unrealistic promises.

What does “low temperature heating” actually feel like?

It usually feels like steadier comfort rather than short bursts of very hot radiators. Radiators may feel warm rather than scorching, but rooms are maintained at a stable temperature over longer periods. Many households find this more comfortable once they’re used to the different pattern, particularly when draughts and cold spots have been reduced.

What are heat networks, and will I be connected to one?

A heat network supplies heating and hot water from a central source to multiple properties via insulated pipes, most commonly in dense urban areas or estates. Whether you’ll be connected depends on local plans, building type and infrastructure; if it becomes relevant for your home, you should expect clear information on billing, maintenance responsibilities, service standards and what protections apply.

Is solar worth it in the UK climate?

Solar can still be worthwhile in the UK because it generates across daylight hours and can meaningfully reduce the electricity you buy from the grid. The value depends on roof suitability (orientation, shading, condition), how much electricity you use during the day, and whether you can make use of export payments and smart tariffs.

Do I need a battery if I get solar panels?

No. A battery can increase self‑consumption and help you shift energy use, but it is not automatically the best next step for everyone. Some households get excellent results from solar alone, especially if they use electricity during the day or can schedule flexible loads.

What are smart tariffs and why do they matter for upgrades?

Smart or time‑of‑use tariffs price electricity differently at different times, which can make a big difference if you have flexible demand (like charging a battery off‑peak, heating hot water at cheaper times, or running appliances when rates are lower). They can be particularly relevant when you add a heat pump, battery, or EV charging, because you have more opportunity to shift when you use power.

Will I need a smart meter to benefit from the plan?

Not in every case, but smart meters make it easier to use time‑of‑use tariffs and to monitor how upgrades affect consumption. If you’re adding solar, a battery, or a heat pump, better metering and monitoring can help you spot issues early and optimise how you use the system.

How much will a whole-home upgrade cost?

Costs vary widely based on property type, measures chosen, and what enabling works are required. Some households start with hundreds of pounds for basic insulation and control improvements, while deep retrofits or major heating changes can run into many thousands. The safest way to approach cost is to get a proper assessment first, then compare like‑for‑like quotes with clear specifications and warranties.

Are there grants for both insulation and heating?

In many delivery routes, yes, particularly for low‑income programmes where the goal is to improve comfort and reduce bills as a package. For households outside targeted grants, you may find support is more focused on specific technologies (like clean heat) or on finance options rather than full grants for every measure.

What is “discounted finance” and how is it different from a normal loan?

Discounted finance aims to reduce the cost of borrowing compared with typical consumer credit, making it easier to spread the cost of upgrades. The important practical point is that “discounted” still needs to be affordable for you: you should compare total repayable amounts, understand the term and interest rate, and consider what happens if you move home or want to repay early.

Should I choose a grant or a loan if I can access both?

If you qualify for grant-funded support, it often makes sense to prioritise grants for long‑life fabric measures that permanently reduce heat loss, because they improve comfort and protect health outcomes over decades. Finance can be useful for measures where upfront cost is the main barrier and where you’re confident the system will be well designed and maintained, but it should never be taken on the basis of vague or guaranteed savings claims.

I rent privately—can I apply for upgrades myself?

Usually, major upgrades must be commissioned by the landlord or managing agent because they affect the fabric and fixed systems of the property. As a tenant, your strongest route is to report problems early and in writing, especially where there is damp, mould, unreliable heating, or significant draughts. If you are offered an upgrade programme in your area, you may still need landlord consent before work can proceed.

I’m a landlord—how should I prepare for warmer homes requirements?

Start by understanding the current energy performance of your properties, identifying the worst performers, and planning a realistic upgrade pathway that won’t create damp issues. In many cases, improving basic insulation, ventilation and controls reduces complaints and protects the property, and it can also make later heating upgrades easier and less disruptive.

I live in a flat—are upgrades harder?

They can be, mainly because decisions and permissions may be shared between leaseholders, freeholders and managing agents, and because space and siting constraints matter for technologies like heat pumps. Flats can still benefit substantially from insulation, ventilation improvements, smart controls, and—in some cases—communal solutions like heat networks or shared energy systems, but coordination tends to be the defining challenge.

What if my home is listed or in a conservation area?

You can still improve warmth and efficiency, but you may need a more careful approach and, in some cases, permissions for external changes. Measures that respect building breathability and heritage detailing are important, and specialist advice is often worthwhile so you don’t accidentally create moisture problems or planning disputes.

How do I know an installer is trustworthy?

A trustworthy installer welcomes questions, provides written specifications, explains what surveys and calculations they will do, and is transparent about warranties and complaint routes. You should be wary of anyone who avoids details, won’t put promises in writing, or pressures you to sign quickly. Trust is built through evidence: accreditation, references from similar jobs, clear documentation, and a sensible approach to risk.

What paperwork should I receive after installation?

You should receive documentation that proves what was installed, that it meets relevant standards, and that it has been properly commissioned and handed over. This typically includes certificates, warranty documents, user guidance for controls, and evidence of testing or commissioning where relevant. If you ever sell your home, good paperwork also helps protect value and reduces buyer uncertainty.

What should I do if the work isn’t performing as promised?

Start by reporting issues in writing to the installer, clearly describing what’s wrong, when it happens, and what outcome you want (for example, a commissioning revisit, a fix, or remedial work). Keep photos and notes. If you don’t get a reasonable response, move to the formal complaints route connected to the installer’s consumer protection scheme or dispute resolution process, and seek independent advice early so problems don’t drift for months.

I’m worried about scams—what’s the safest way to proceed?

The safest path is to use official sources to confirm what support exists, avoid responding to cold callers, and only proceed after an assessment and a written quote from an accredited installer. Any offer that relies on urgency (“today only”), secrecy (“special access”), or guaranteed funding without checks should be treated as a warning sign, not an opportunity.

The Warm Homes Plan | Free Guide | Help & Expert Advice

Introduction

The Warm Homes Plan is the UK Government’s long-term programme to make homes cheaper to run, warmer to live in, and better prepared for a lower‑carbon future. It brings together (and reforms) multiple home upgrade schemes—covering insulation, clean heating, solar and batteries—alongside changes to standards, consumer protections, and how people get advice and support.

The problem the plan is trying to solve

Most people don’t need a lecture on why home energy matters—you feel it in your bills and in how comfortable your home is in winter. The Plan is rooted in three practical realities:

Energy bills and energy insecurity: Homes that leak heat cost more to run and leave households more exposed to price spikes.
Fuel poverty and health: Cold, damp homes are linked to worse health outcomes, and poor housing conditions increase pressures on families and services.
A fragmented “upgrade landscape”: Funding, advice and delivery have historically been confusing—different schemes, different rules, and inconsistent quality.

What the plan is aiming to achieve by 2030

While you asked specifically about 2027, the Plan’s targets and delivery ramp‑up are set on an end‑of‑decade trajectory. In the Plan’s published vision, government sets out ambitions such as:

Tripling the number of homes with solar (by deploying panels on up to 3 million more homes)
Delivering over 450,000 heat pump installations per year
Upgrading up to 5 million homes in total

Those are national ambitions—not guarantees for any individual household. What matters for you is how support becomes easier to access, more consistent, and safer to use.

What changes in 2027: the practical “new front door” to upgrades

The single biggest consumer-facing shift signposted for 2027 is the move towards a simpler, more guided journey—so you can understand what to do, who to trust, and how to pay without having to become an energy policy expert.

A central element is the creation of a new coordinating body, intended to make help easier to find and to reduce the “maze” problem. The Plan describes a Warm Homes Agency advice offer from 2027:

From 2027 our new WHA will offer impartial advice and clear information on home upgrades to consumers – online and by phone.

— DESNZ, Warm Homes Plan, CP 1470, 2026

Separately, Parliament’s published statement on the Plan frames this shift as fixing a “fragmented and confusing system” and establishing a new body to provide advice, oversee schemes, and strengthen consumer protection.

What you should take away now

If you’re planning ahead, treat 2027 as the year the Plan expects the consumer journey to become more joined‑up:

clearer routes to impartial guidance
better signposting to trusted installers
more structured access to grants and low/zero‑interest finance
stronger emphasis on quality and redress when work goes wrong

That doesn’t mean nothing happens before 2027—it means 2027 is where the Plan intends to “industrialise” delivery and make the process feel simpler and safer for the public.

Who can get support

The Warm Homes Plan isn’t one single grant you apply for—it’s a package of support routes designed for different households, housing types and budgets. In plain English: the help you can get depends on who you are, what home you live in, and which upgrades make sense for that home.

The three broad “offers” most people will fit into

Think of the Plan’s support as three layers:

Targeted help for low‑income households (typically grant‑funded, often delivered locally or through social housing providers).
Universal support for clean heating (not means‑tested in the same way, but eligibility rules still apply).
Low/zero‑interest finance for wider upgrades (intended to make solar, batteries and other measures affordable for more households).

If you’re a homeowner (owner‑occupier)

You’re most likely to interact with support in these ways:

Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS): a grant towards installing a heat pump (and in some cases biomass), administered by Ofgem.
Potential access to low/zero‑interest loans through the Warm Homes Fund (details are expected to be developed with lenders; the Plan and parliamentary briefing note that full consumer loan details were not yet available at publication).
Local or area‑based schemes (often run via local authorities, sometimes targeted by postcode or vulnerability).

What’s important: even “universal” support still expects your home to be suitable. A reputable installer will check insulation levels, heat loss, radiator sizing, hot water needs and electrical capacity before recommending clean heat.

Support is typically delivered through your landlord (a council or housing association), not as a direct-to-tenant application. One major route is the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund, aimed at improving energy performance in social homes in England.

As a tenant, your practical steps are usually:

report comfort issues (cold rooms, mould, high bills) through your landlord’s repair channels
ask whether your building is part of a retrofit programme
make sure you understand what work is planned, how disruption will be managed, and who to contact if problems arise

If you rent privately

The Plan is explicit that renters should not be stuck paying to heat poor-quality homes forever. Parliament’s published statement on the Plan says:

By 2030, private landlords will have to upgrade their properties to meet minimum standards of energy efficiency.

— House of Commons business, Warm Homes Plan statement, 2026

In the near term, support for private renters is usually indirect: it is the landlord (or managing agent) who commissions upgrades, sometimes supported by grant schemes depending on the property and tenant circumstances.

If you’re a landlord

Landlords should plan for two parallel pressures:

Regulatory expectations (energy efficiency standards tightening over time)
Financial support mechanisms (grants for some tenures; finance options for others; plus the practical reality that upgrades can reduce voids, complaints, and damp/mould risk)

A quick reality check: what no one can promise you (yet)

Because parts of the Plan—especially the consumer loans offer—were still being developed at publication, treat any company claiming to “guarantee” funding as a red flag. The Commons Library briefing notes government planned to set out more detail later and that rates would vary by product, while remaining discounted.

What to expect year by year

The Warm Homes Plan sets a direction of travel through to 2030, with some key milestones that matter for households. The most helpful way to think about timing is: what’s available now, what changes around 2026–2027, and what scales from 2027/28 onwards.

2024 to early 2026: delivery continues, but the system is still “mixed”

Before the Plan’s 2027 shift towards a more consolidated delivery landscape, households are navigating a combination of:

existing grant programmes (some local, some national)
supplier obligations (with planned closures)
ongoing policy consultation and reform (including EPC and consumer journey improvements)

If you’re eligible for support under current schemes, it may still be worth acting rather than waiting—especially for “no‑regrets” upgrades like loft insulation, draught proofing and ventilation fixes.

31 March 2026: Great British Insulation Scheme planned to end

The Plan states that the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) would end as planned on 31 March 2026.
That matters because it affects the landscape for basic insulation support, and it’s one reason the Plan emphasises the need for a clearer long-term route.

2026: transition year, with scheme closures and clean heat scaling

The Plan also describes consultation on extending ECO4 by nine months to 31 December 2026, to support an “orderly closure” and remediate non‑compliant installations.

At the same time, clean heat support continues via the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, and the Plan signals ongoing growth of heat pump deployment towards its 2030 ambition.

2027: the consumer experience is meant to get simpler

From a household point of view, 2027 is less about a single launch day and more about a shift in how people get guided through upgrades. The Plan describes an advice offer through the Warm Homes Agency, intended to be available online and by phone.

Separately, Parliament’s statement frames 2027-era reforms as ending the “bewildering number of organisations and schemes” and creating a single body to oversee schemes and improve consumer protection.

2027/28: low-income delivery routes are intended to be integrated

A key structural change is planned from 2027/28 onwards: government intends to integrate Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund and Warm Homes: Local Grant into a single low-income capital scheme with a stronger area‑based delivery approach.

Practically, this should mean:

more consistent local programmes (rather than postcode lotteries)
simpler messaging for households
more predictable pipelines for installers (which can help quality and capacity)

2028 to 2030: scale-up and standards tightening

As the decade progresses, expect more households to feel the impact through:

broader uptake of clean heating
increased rooftop solar and storage deployment
strengthening expectations on rental properties’ energy performance (with 2030 referenced as a key date in published material)

What you can do each year without guessing policy details

To stay in control, focus on steps that remain valuable regardless of scheme rules:

Now: find your EPC, review insulation, fix obvious draughts and ventilation gaps
Before major upgrades: get a whole‑home assessment (or at least a competent survey)
Before signing anything: verify installer accreditation and complaint routes
If you’re a renter: document issues and put requests in writing early (damp/mould and heating reliability should never be “wait until next year” problems)

What an assessment involves

Before you spend money—or apply for support—you need a clear picture of how your home currently performs. The Warm Homes Plan is built around upgrading the “real world” of UK housing, where no two homes are identical. A good assessment protects you from paying for the wrong measure, or installing the right measure at the wrong time.

Start with your EPC, but understand its limits

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) gives your home a rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and includes recommended improvements. EPCs are widely used for selling and letting, and they are often used as a screening tool for programme eligibility.

Key points to know:

EPC ratings are based on standardised assumptions about occupancy and use. This means your actual bills can differ from EPC estimates.
EPC recommendations are helpful, but they are not a design spec. You still need a proper survey before major work.

How to find your EPC (or get one if you don’t have it)

Most homes sold or let in recent years will already have an EPC.

Search for your certificate on the official register (look for “find an energy certificate” on GOV.UK).
If you can’t find one, you can commission an accredited assessor (cost varies by property and region).

If you’re renting, your landlord should typically provide an EPC when marketing or letting a property (with some exemptions).

What a good “home upgrade assessment” looks like

For Warm Homes Plan‑type upgrades, an assessment is usually deeper than an EPC visit. Depending on your home and the measures you’re considering, it can include:

Fabric checks: loft insulation depth, cavity fill presence, wall type (solid/cavity), floor type, window type, draught routes
Moisture and ventilation checks: condensation risk areas, extractor fan performance, trickle vent presence, existing damp/mould patterns
Heating system review: boiler or existing heating type, radiator sizing, pipework condition, hot water cylinder (especially relevant for heat pumps)
Electrical capacity: consumer unit condition, earthing, spare capacity for heat pumps, EV chargers, batteries
Roof suitability for solar: orientation, shading, structural condition, available area

A responsible assessor explains uncertainty and flags where further investigation is needed (for example, suspected damp behind a wall, or unknown cavity condition).

Why the plan is talking about EPC reform

One reason the public gets stuck is that EPCs haven’t always helped households compare options like heat pumps, solar, and smart controls fairly. The Warm Homes Plan technical material discusses consulting on changing EPC metrics and developing a Home Energy Model to address limitations and better reflect modern technologies.

What that means for you:

EPCs may evolve over time; don’t rely on a single number alone
your home’s actual heat loss and ventilation matter more than the headline letter rating when choosing upgrades

Red flags: when an assessment is not good enough

Be cautious if someone:

recommends a heat pump without discussing insulation, emitters (radiators/UFH), or hot water
offers wall insulation without talking about ventilation and moisture
dismisses damp/mould as “just open the window” without identifying causes
refuses to provide a written scope of work and assumptions

A strong assessment is your best defence against wasted money and poor outcomes.

The right improvements for your home

The best home upgrade plan is the one that matches your home’s physics, your household’s comfort needs, and what you can realistically afford—without creating unintended problems like condensation or under‑heating. The Warm Homes Plan is designed around “pathways” (different combinations of measures) because there is no single best upgrade for everyone.

The principle that prevents most expensive mistakes: sequence matters

A simple rule used by experienced retrofit professionals is:

Reduce heat loss (insulation + draught proofing)
Control moisture and airflow (ventilation)
Upgrade heating (clean heat sized correctly for the improved home)
Add generation and flexibility (solar, batteries, smart tariffs/controls)

You don’t have to do everything at once, but you do need to avoid doing step 3 before understanding steps 1 and 2. A heat pump installed into a leaky, poorly ventilated home can disappoint—because you’re paying to heat the outdoors or battling damp.

A practical decision tool for households

Use this table to pressure‑test recommendations you receive. It’s not a substitute for a survey, but it helps you ask the right questions early.

Upgrade area	Typically best when…	Key checks before you commit	Common “gotchas”
Loft insulation / top‑up	You have accessible loft space and low insulation depth	loft ventilation, recessed lights, water tanks/pipe lagging	blocking eaves ventilation; compressing insulation around pipes
Cavity wall insulation	Your walls are suitable cavities and exposure risk is managed	cavity condition, rain exposure, ventilation, damp history	unsuitable cavities can increase damp risk
Solid wall insulation (internal/external)	You need major heat-loss reduction and can manage disruption	moisture assessment, detailing around windows, ventilation plan	poor detailing causes cold bridges and mould
Draught proofing	You feel draughts or uneven room temperatures	ventilation strategy (extract fans, trickle vents)	over‑sealing without ventilation increases condensation
Heat pump / clean heat	You can design for low‑temperature heating and stable comfort	heat loss calc, radiator sizing, hot water plan, electrics	undersized emitters; wrong controls; unrealistic savings claims
Solar + battery	You have usable roof area and want bill reduction/flexibility	shading, roof condition, export tariff options, fire safety plan	poor installer quality; unclear warranties; bad monitoring setup

Choosing based on budget: “no‑regrets”, “mid‑lift”, and “deep retrofit”

Most households fit into one of these three financial realities:

No‑regrets upgrades (low cost / high value): draught proofing, loft insulation top‑ups, heating controls, pipe/cylinder insulation, extractor fan improvements. These often improve comfort quickly and reduce bills without major disruption.
Mid‑lift upgrades (moderate cost / moderate disruption): cavity wall insulation (when suitable), underfloor insulation in accessible suspended floors, radiator upgrades, partial glazing improvements, solar PV.
Deep retrofit (higher cost / more disruption): solid wall insulation, full window replacement, whole‑house ventilation systems, major heating system replacement, heat networks connection changes.

A useful mindset: if you can’t afford everything, aim to do work in a way that doesn’t block future improvements (for example, don’t install internal wall insulation in a way that makes later ventilation upgrades impossible).

Make comfort the goal, not just “carbon”

One reason the Warm Homes Plan resonates is that it frames upgrades around affordability and comfort. Don’t underestimate what stable warmth feels like: fewer cold spots, less condensation, fewer “turn it up then turn it down” cycles.

When comparing options, ask yourself:

Do we need warmer bedrooms, a warmer living room, or better comfort everywhere?
Are we home during the day (important for heat pump control strategy)?
Is damp/mould a current issue (needs addressing before tightening the home)?

A calm warning about “perfect” savings claims

Savings depend on:

your current insulation and heating
energy prices and tariff choices
how you heat your home (hours, setpoints)
how well the system is designed and commissioned

Treat any quote that promises “guaranteed savings” without a proper assessment as marketing, not engineering.

Insulation options

Insulation and draught-proofing are the backbone of a warm home. They don’t just reduce bills—they make the home feel more comfortable at lower thermostat settings, and they reduce cold surfaces where condensation forms. But they must be done with care: the UK has seen real harm from poor-quality installations, so quality and ventilation planning are not optional extras.

Loft insulation and roof space measures

For many homes, loft insulation is still one of the best value upgrades.

What to consider:

Depth and coverage: topping up is often worthwhile if existing insulation is thin or patchy.
Loft ventilation: keep eaves vents clear; insulation should not block airflow at the roof edges.
Safety and detailing: protect downlights, avoid covering wiring that needs air circulation, and insulate/lag pipes and tanks to prevent freezing.

Cavity wall insulation

Cavity wall insulation can be effective—but it is not suitable for every property.

A careful installer/assessor should check:

wall construction and cavity condition
exposure to driving rain
existing damp problems
ventilation provision and extract performance

If any of these are wrong, cavity fill can worsen moisture issues rather than solve comfort.

Solid wall insulation: internal and external

Solid wall insulation is often where the biggest heat-loss reductions are possible, but it is also where detailing mistakes create problems.

External wall insulation (EWI): can improve comfort significantly and reduce cold bridging, but changes the building’s external appearance (planning may apply for listed buildings/conservation areas).
Internal wall insulation (IWI): avoids changing the outside, but reduces room size and requires careful vapour management, especially around window reveals and junctions.

For both, insist on:

a moisture strategy (how the wall will dry)
a ventilation plan (how indoor humidity will be controlled)
clear design details for reveals, skirtings, sockets, and thermal bridges

Floors: suspended timber vs solid floors

Suspended timber floors: underfloor insulation can reduce draughts dramatically, but access and moisture management matter. Ensure air bricks remain functional and the void ventilation is not blocked.
Solid floors: insulation is disruptive and usually only considered during major renovations; alternative measures may offer better cost/benefit.

Draught proofing that doesn’t create damp

Draught proofing is often the fastest “feel it today” improvement—but only if you protect ventilation.

Priority areas:

gaps around external doors (brush seals, thresholds)
sash windows (professional draught-proofing systems)
letterboxes and keyholes
loft hatches
chimney balloons (if chimney unused; ensure safety and check ventilation needs)

Be careful with:

sealing air vents that are there for a reason (e.g., gas appliance ventilation)
over-sealing kitchens/bathrooms without strong extract fans

Why quality matters more than ever

The Warm Homes Plan explicitly discusses poor-quality outcomes under past schemes and the need for stronger consumer protection and oversight. It highlights very high levels of non‑compliance found in audits of external wall insulation installations under prior programmes.

This isn’t said to alarm you—it’s to reinforce a practical message: insist on competent design, correct installation, and clear warranties/complaint routes.

The simplest way to protect yourself

Choose installers and products aligned with recognised schemes (for example TrustMark for consumer protection and MCS for relevant clean tech).
Don’t accept pressure tactics (“funding ends tomorrow”).
Ask for written specifications, not just a headline quote.

Damp and mould prevention

If insulation and draught-proofing keep heat in, ventilation and moisture control keep your home healthy. This matters for every household, but especially for families with children, older adults, and anyone with asthma or respiratory conditions. Damp and mould are not cosmetic problems—they’re health and safety issues, and they require a real plan, not blame.

Understand what you’re dealing with: three common moisture sources

Most damp problems fall into one (or more) of these:

Condensation damp: warm, moist indoor air hits cold surfaces (windows, external corners, uninsulated walls).
Penetrating damp: water gets in from outside (roof leaks, cracked render, failed pointing, blocked gutters).
Rising damp / ground moisture: less common than many people think, but can occur in specific conditions (often confused with condensation or bridging).

A good assessor will look for patterns (where mould appears, when it worsens, whether it correlates with heating use, weather, or occupancy).

Why upgrades can change moisture behaviour

Home upgrades often make homes tighter and warmer. That’s good—but it changes airflow pathways. If you reduce draughts without improving ventilation, humidity can build up.

This is why experienced retrofit advice is consistent:

don’t “seal first, ask questions later”
always pair insulation work with ventilation planning, especially in kitchens and bathrooms

Health impacts: a clear, evidence-based warning

Government-published health guidance on damp and mould states that everyone can be affected, with some groups at higher risk.

Everyone is vulnerable to the health impacts of damp and mould, but people with certain health conditions, children and older adults are at greater risk of more severe health impacts.

— DLUHC/DHSC/UKHSA, Understanding and addressing the health risks of damp and mould in the home, published guidance

Ventilation options: from simple to advanced

Most homes improve significantly with “basic good practice”:

Working extractor fans in kitchen and bathroom (vented to outside, not just recirculating)
Trickle vents or window vent positions used appropriately
Consistent, gentle heating to avoid deep temperature swings that encourage condensation
Drying clothes smarter: vented tumble dryer, dehumidifier in a closed room, or outdoor drying when possible

Where homes are becoming significantly more airtight (e.g., after solid wall insulation), you may need a step up:

Continuous mechanical extract ventilation (MEV): low-level continuous extraction, often quieter and more consistent than intermittent fans
Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR): best suited for deeper retrofits where airtightness is improved; provides fresh air with reduced heat loss

“Quick fixes” that help—but aren’t the full answer

Dehumidifiers: can reduce symptoms (humidity and visible mould), but they don’t fix leaks, cold bridges, or inadequate ventilation.
Anti-mould sprays/paint: can clean surfaces, but mould returns if moisture remains.

If you rent: your rights matter

Damp and mould complaints should be taken seriously. You should:

report issues in writing, with dated photos
keep notes on symptoms (and medical evidence if relevant)
ask what repairs will be done and when

Citizens Advice and GOV.UK provide guidance on what to do and how to escalate when problems persist.

A reassuring truth

Most damp and mould situations improve dramatically with the right combination of:

fixing water ingress
improving ventilation
reducing cold surfaces through insulation
maintaining steady background heat

You don’t have to choose between warmth and fresh air—you need both, designed to work together.

Heating upgrades

Heating upgrades are often the biggest single change a household makes under the Warm Homes Plan. Done properly, they can transform comfort—especially when combined with insulation and good controls. Done poorly, they can feel expensive and confusing. The aim is to land on a system that is reliable, appropriately sized, and easy to live with.

The direction of travel: clean heat at scale

The Warm Homes Plan’s published ambition is to grow the heat pump market significantly, with the technical annex describing an aim of more than 450,000 annual heat pump installations by 2030 (across existing and new buildings).

That doesn’t mean every home must have a heat pump, or that heat pumps are the right answer for every building. It means policy and supply chains are being aligned to make clean heat a normal option, not a niche one.

Heat pumps: what they are (and what they’re not)

A heat pump moves heat rather than creating it by burning fuel. That makes it efficient—especially when the home is designed for low‑temperature heating.

Common types you may encounter:

Air source heat pumps (ASHP): the most common retrofit route; an outdoor unit extracts heat from the air.
Ground source heat pumps (GSHP): higher installation complexity (ground loops), often excellent performance.
Shared ground loops (SGL): a networked approach for multiple properties (relevant for blocks or estates).

Practical expectations:

Heat pumps work best with steady background heat, not short blasts.
Many homes need radiator upgrades or improved heat emitters to deliver comfort at lower water temperatures.
Hot water is typically stored in a cylinder (important if your home currently uses a combi boiler).

Grants and eligibility (England and Wales focus)

For many households in England and Wales, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is the most direct route: it offers upfront grants (up to £7,500) towards a heat pump or biomass boiler, with Ofgem administering scheme rules and guidance.

Heat batteries and air-to-air systems

Parliament’s published statement on the Plan referenced expanding support and, for the first time, a “universal offer” including £2,500 for a heat battery or air-to-air heat pump, alongside £7,500 for conventional heat pumps.

If you’re considering air-to-air (often like modern air conditioning that can heat), pay close attention to:

how hot water will be provided (it doesn’t heat water)
planning/building regs requirements
where indoor units would go, and whether it suits your household comfort preferences

Heat networks (district heating): when they’re relevant

Heat networks supply heat (hot water/space heating) from a central source to multiple buildings. They are most common in:

dense urban areas
social housing estates
newer developments and regenerated zones

If you’re offered (or required) to connect, ask:

what the heat source is now and what it will become over time
how billing works and what consumer protections apply
who maintains the network and how faults are handled

The three checks that predict satisfaction with clean heat

Before committing to a major heating change, make sure these are done properly:

Heat loss calculation (room-by-room, not a guess)
Emitter and hot water design (radiators/UFH/cylinder sizing)
Controls strategy (thermostats, zoning, time-of-use optimisation where relevant)

If an installer can’t explain these simply, they are not ready to design your system.

Solar, batteries and smart controls

Solar panels, batteries and smart controls are often described as “add-ons”, but under the Warm Homes Plan they are central tools to cut bills and reduce exposure to future price swings. The simplest way to think about them is: generate some of your own electricity, store what you can, and use energy at cheaper times where possible.

Solar PV: what it can realistically do for a household

Solar PV generates electricity during daylight hours. Your bill savings depend on how much of that electricity you use in the home (self‑consumption) versus export to the grid.

Strong candidates often include homes with:

a reasonably unshaded roof area
daytime usage (home working, families with someone at home, heat pump running steadily)
willingness to use timers/smart controls (dishwasher, washing machine, EV charging)

Getting paid for exports: Smart Export Guarantee

If you export solar electricity back to the grid, you may be eligible for payments through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). Ofgem explains that SEG requires certain suppliers to pay eligible generators for exported electricity, provided criteria are met.

Practical tips:

compare SEG tariffs and terms (rates vary by supplier)
understand metering requirements
check whether your installer supports the documentation you’ll need for SEG registration

Batteries: when they help most

Batteries can increase the proportion of solar you use yourself and can be useful with time‑of‑use tariffs (charging off‑peak, using peak).

Batteries tend to be most valuable when:

your home exports a lot of solar (meaning you’re generating more than you use during the day)
you have a tariff with a meaningful difference between off‑peak and peak rates
you want backup resilience (note: not all batteries provide backup power; it depends on design)

Safety and standards matter. The Warm Homes Plan references domestic battery fire safety requirements (e.g., PAS 63100) and the broader push to improve certification clarity.

Smart controls: the “quiet hero” of bill savings

Controls are often undervalued. In reality, good controls can:

reduce wasted heating hours
smooth heat pump operation for comfort
shift discretionary electricity use to cheaper times
make solar/battery systems deliver more of their potential

Key tools include:

smart thermostats and zoning controls
weather compensation (for heat pumps)
smart hot water scheduling
appliance timers and smart plugs (used safely)

Smart meters and flexibility

The Plan also emphasises enabling consumers to benefit from smart meters and flexibility—because these underpin time‑of‑use tariffs and smarter energy management.

If you don’t have a smart meter yet, it’s worth considering one—especially if you’re adding solar, a battery, EV charging or a heat pump.

Avoid “tech stacking” without a plan

It’s tempting to buy solar, then a battery, then a new heating system, then new controls—without an integrated design. You’ll get better results if you decide:

what your main goal is (comfort, bill reduction, carbon, resilience)
what your home’s constraints are (roof, electrics, space, planning)
how systems will interact (e.g., heat pump + time-of-use tariff + battery)

Done well, these technologies reinforce each other. Done randomly, they can become expensive gadgets that underperform.

Costs, savings and how funding works

Money is where most households feel stuck: you want a warmer, cheaper-to-run home, but you don’t want to gamble thousands on the wrong upgrade. The Warm Homes Plan is explicitly designed to reduce that barrier through grants, discounted finance, and clearer delivery routes—with the biggest help targeted at those who need it most.

What upgrades cost in the real world

Costs vary by property type, region, and how much remedial work is needed. As a rule of thumb:

Low-cost measures (draught proofing, loft top-ups, basic controls) are usually hundreds of pounds, sometimes less.
Mid-range measures (cavity wall insulation where suitable, solar PV, radiator upgrades) can run into the low thousands.
Major works (solid wall insulation, full heating system replacement, heat networks connection changes, whole-house ventilation) can reach many thousands.

You should expect a reputable installer to explain:

what is included (and excluded)
what could change after survey
what warranties and guarantees apply
what ongoing maintenance is needed

What savings look like (and why they vary)

The Warm Homes Plan includes illustrative examples showing that savings depend on the measures installed and the home type. For example, it states that:

a social rented two-bedroom semi-detached home receiving insulation and solar panels could save £350 annually
an owner-occupier with average consumption upgrading to a heat pump under a scheme like BUS and adopting a time-of-use tariff could save £130 annually

These are examples, not promises. Your savings can be higher or lower depending on current insulation, your heating pattern, and tariff choices.

How funding is structured under the plan

The Plan describes a total package of £15 billion of public investment, and Parliament’s published statement frames this as the “biggest investment in home upgrades in British history”.

A key part is the Warm Homes Fund, described in the Commons Library briefing as providing low or no interest loans to consumers, plus investment to scale the supply chain.

To make this more concrete, the Plan sets out intended allocations across programme lines and years:

Programme line (Plan)	2025/26	2026/27	2027/28	2028/29	2029/30	Total
Low-income homes grants	462	960	1,000	1,000	1,000	4,422
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)	295	400	600	683	709	2,687
Heat Networks	215	212	212	212	212	1,063
Warm Homes Fund (financial transactions)	—	—	—	—	—	5,300
Total funding (incl. Barnett consequentials)	—	—	—	—	—	15,000

(“—” indicates the Plan presents Warm Homes Fund as a total financial transactions allocation, with separate notes on its internal components.)

Grants vs loans: how to decide what’s right for you

A simple way to decide:

If you qualify for grant-funded support: prioritise measures that permanently reduce heat loss and improve health/comfort. Grants are most valuable for upgrades with long lifetimes.
If you don’t qualify for grants but struggle with upfront costs: discounted finance can make solar, batteries or heating upgrades feasible—if repayments are realistic against expected bill reductions.

When comparing finance offers, look at:

interest rate (and whether it’s fixed)
total repayable amount
early repayment terms
what happens if you move home
whether the loan is secured or unsecured

Protect yourself from “funding confusion”

Because some details (especially consumer loan products) were still being developed, you should treat firm promises as suspect. The Commons Library briefing notes government intended to set out further detail later, with discounted rates varying by product.

If in doubt, do two things:

verify scheme rules on official sources (GOV.UK, Ofgem)
use accredited installers who can explain the scheme process transparently

Applying, getting quotes and choosing accredited installers

Most stress in home upgrades comes from uncertainty: “Am I eligible?”, “Who can I trust?”, and “How do I know this quote is real?”. The Warm Homes Plan approach leans heavily on improving advice and consumer protection, but you can protect yourself right now by using a disciplined process for quotes and installer checks.

Step 1: Work out your likely route (before you collect quotes)

Start by identifying which bucket you’re in:

Low-income / vulnerability support: likely delivered through local authority routes or social housing programmes (not usually “buy online now”).
Clean heat grant: in England and Wales, BUS is a key route; the GOV.UK overview explains the scheme at a high level and the Ofgem guidance provides operational detail.
Solar/battery finance: expect evolving offers; do not accept “exclusive access” claims without evidence.

Step 2: Ask for quotes that are comparable

You can only compare quotes if they describe the same scope. Ask each provider to include:

full specification of equipment (model numbers, sizes/capacities)
what preparatory work is included (electrics, pipework, radiator changes, scaffolding)
commissioning and handover steps
warranties (product and workmanship)
aftercare arrangements (servicing, monitoring support)

For heat pumps, insist on confirmation that they will produce (or commission) a heat loss calculation and system design, not “fit whatever we usually fit”.

Step 3: Choose accreditation and consumer protection deliberately

A practical standard for most households:

MCS certification for relevant low-carbon technologies (heat pumps, solar PV). The Plan signals an intention to mandate MCS as the sole certification scheme for clean heat measures under key programmes.
TrustMark registration for additional assurance and a defined complaints path for home improvements.
Use sources like Energy Saving Trust for consumer protection guidance on choosing certified systems and installers.

Step 4: Pressure-test the installer with questions that reveal competence

Good installers welcome these questions:

What assumptions are you making about my home’s heat loss and insulation?
What upgrades (if any) do you expect I’ll need to radiators or pipework?
How will you manage ventilation risks if we improve airtightness?
What happens if something goes wrong—who is the complaints body and what is the process?

Step 5: Watch for sales behaviours that should stop the process

Walk away if you see:

“This grant is guaranteed for you” before any eligibility check
refusal to put specifications in writing
pressure to sign “today only”
requests for large cash deposits with no contract
vague warranty claims (“25 years*”) without specifying what is covered and by whom

If you need help comparing quotes

Citizens Advice provides guidance on complaining about energy efficiency improvements and what to do when things go wrong, and it can be a useful starting point for understanding your consumer rights before you sign.

The calmer you are at the quote stage, the better your end result tends to be.

Installation, quality checks, warranties and ongoing maintenance

A successful home upgrade is not just “getting it installed”. It’s a chain of quality steps: survey → design → installation → commissioning → verification → aftercare. The Warm Homes Plan places strong emphasis on improving quality and consumer protection, partly because the UK has seen serious problems from poor installation practices in the past.

What a high-quality installation journey should look like

Even for relatively simple measures, you should expect:

Pre-install survey: confirming construction details, access, risks (including damp), and any enabling works needed
Written scope and schedule: what will happen, when, and how disruption is managed
Installation with evidence: photos, checklists, test results where relevant
Commissioning and handover: controls explained, user guides provided, certificates issued
Aftercare: a named contact route for problems and maintenance needs

Heat pumps: the “commissioning gap” that separates good from bad

For heat pumps, commissioning is where many disappointments are created—or avoided. Insist on:

room-by-room heat loss calculation
correct flow temperature settings and control configuration
balancing and emitter checks (radiators/UFH)
hot water performance testing
explanation of how to run the system efficiently day-to-day

Ask for a simple “how we set it up” summary in writing. That one document often saves months of frustration.

Insulation: workmanship and detailing matter as much as material

With wall insulation in particular, failures tend to be about:

poor fixing or inadequate weatherproofing (external)
thermal bridging around windows and corners
lack of moisture strategy
ventilation neglected after airtightness increases

The Warm Homes Plan notes that audits of solid wall insulation installations under prior schemes found extremely high non‑compliance levels for external wall insulation, and it describes commitments to auditing affected households and requiring installers to put issues right without charging the household.

Solar and batteries: documentation is part of the installation

A proper solar/battery handover should include:

MCS certificate (where applicable)
electrical installation documentation
system diagram and isolator locations
monitoring app setup and explanation
warranty documents (panel, inverter, battery, workmanship)
fire safety considerations and siting rationale

Warranties: what to look for (and what to ignore)

Warranties can be meaningful—or marketing.

Check:

Who provides the warranty (manufacturer vs installer)
What triggers warranty coverage (annual servicing? approved parts?)
Transferability if you sell the home
Exclusions (for example, “consumables”, “cosmetic defects”, poor maintenance)

If the installer goes out of business, you need to know what protection remains. This is one reason consumer protection schemes and clear complaint routes matter.

Maintenance: budgeting for the reality

Some measures are low‑maintenance (loft insulation). Others need routine care:

heat pumps typically require periodic servicing
ventilation systems need filter changes
batteries and inverters may need monitoring and occasional replacement over long timescales

A good installer tells you maintenance costs upfront, without drama.

If something goes wrong, don’t get stuck

Two key actions protect you:

Put problems in writing early (photos, dates, what you want fixed)
Use the recognised complaint route (installer → scheme provider/TrustMark/ADR → ombudsman or legal routes where appropriate)

You deserve a warm home and a fair process if workmanship falls short.

Renters, landlords, and flats

Some homes are straightforward to upgrade. Others—flats, listed buildings, mixed-tenure blocks, park homes, off‑gas properties—need more careful planning and sometimes more negotiation between multiple decision-makers. The Warm Homes Plan explicitly recognises that support must work across tenure types and that the consumer journey must become simpler and more trusted.

Private renters: how to push for change without risking your tenancy

If you rent privately, your landlord is usually responsible for major upgrades. Parliament’s statement on the Plan sets a clear direction that private landlords will be required to upgrade properties to meet minimum energy efficiency standards by 2030.

What you can do now:

Request repairs and improvements in writing (heating reliability, draughts, damp/mould)
Document conditions: photos, thermometer readings in cold rooms, humidity readings if mould is present
Use trusted advice routes if the landlord does not respond, including Citizens Advice guidance on complaints about energy efficiency improvements.

Remember: damp and mould are not lifestyle issues. Government health guidance treats them as legitimate health risks, and vulnerable groups are at increased risk.

Social landlords may deliver upgrades through large programmes (estate-by-estate). If your home is included:

ask for the programme timeline and what choices you have (for example, ventilation options, internal/external insulation impacts)
clarify decant requirements (if any) and how disruption will be handled
confirm who to contact for defects after completion

Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund guidance is aimed at delivery bodies, but it reinforces that the goal is improving energy performance and comfort for tenants.

Leaseholders and mixed-tenure blocks

Leaseholders often face the hardest coordination challenges because:

the freeholder/managing agent may control decisions about the building fabric
costs and benefits are shared unevenly
upgrades may require majority consent (depending on lease terms and building governance)

Practical steps:

ask whether any planned works (roof replacement, external repairs) can be combined with insulation/solar at lower marginal cost
request building-level assessments (heat network viability, shared ground loops, roof solar feasibility)
seek clarity on billing and metering if communal heating is involved

Flats: heat pumps and noise/planning considerations

Air source heat pumps can work for flats, but siting and permissions can be complicated:

location of outdoor units (balcony, wall brackets, ground space)
noise considerations relative to neighbouring windows
freeholder permission and building rules
planning constraints for listed buildings/conservation areas

Listed buildings and conservation areas

These buildings can be upgraded, but you often need:

conservation-sensitive approaches (secondary glazing, breathable insulation materials, careful draught proofing)
early engagement with the local planning authority
installers experienced in heritage detailing

Off-gas homes (oil/LPG/electric resistance)

Off-gas properties can see very high bill reductions from:

insulation upgrades
heat pumps (often replacing oil/LPG)
solar + battery combinations

But the assessment must be rigorous—especially around radiator sizing, heat loss, and hot water storage.

Park homes and non-standard construction

Non-standard homes need specialist installers and cautious product selection. Never accept a one-size-fits-all approach, and insist on evidence that the installer has successfully upgraded similar property types.

The reassuring message here is simple: “tricky homes” are not impossible—they just require better design, clearer permissions, and a stronger focus on quality.

Avoiding scams

Whenever there is public funding and high demand, scams follow. The Warm Homes Plan is trying to reduce this risk by simplifying the consumer journey and strengthening protections, but you still need a personal “scam filter” and a clear complaint path if something goes wrong.

The most common scams and pressure tactics

Watch for:

Cold calls or doorstep sellers claiming you “qualify automatically” for free upgrades
Fake “government scheme” branding or lookalike logos
Pressure to sign immediately to “secure funding”
Upfront payment demands with no contract or clear cancellation rights
Quotes that avoid specifics (“full solar system installed” without model numbers, warranties, or design)

A safe baseline rule: if you didn’t ask for the visit or call, you don’t owe them a conversation—let alone personal details.

How to verify an offer in under 10 minutes

Check whether the scheme is described on official sources (GOV.UK, Ofgem, local council site).
Check installer registration (for example TrustMark for consumer protection, MCS for relevant technologies).
Ask for everything in writing and read it away from the salesperson.

If they resist any of that, you have your answer.

When work goes wrong: use a structured complaint route

Start with the installer, but don’t stay stuck there if they don’t engage. Citizens Advice provides step-by-step guidance on complaining about energy efficiency home improvements (including solar panels and heat pumps).

TrustMark also publishes its complaints process and clarifies what it can and cannot investigate (for example, purely contractual pricing disputes may need Citizens Advice or legal advice).

For some cases, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) may be available through bodies connected to TrustMark dispute resolution.

Faulty insulation: don’t pay to fix someone else’s mistake

If you suspect poor-quality wall insulation, GOV.UK provides guidance on what to do and signposts complaint steps, including the TrustMark complaints process.

Ofgem also provides information on ECO complaints processes (even where it does not handle complaints directly), including what to do if you think you received faulty insulation under past schemes.

Who to contact, depending on your situation

Your issue	Best first step	If not resolved	Where trusted help sits
Poor workmanship on TrustMark-registered work	Raise it with installer in writing	TrustMark complaints / ADR route	TrustMark / ADR bodies
Problems with solar/heat pump install	Installer + certification evidence	Scheme complaint route / consumer advice	Energy Saving Trust, Citizens Advice
Faulty insulation under ECO/GBIS	Follow GOV.UK guidance	TrustMark route + scheme guidance	GOV.UK / Ofgem signposting
Renter with persistent damp/mould	Report to landlord in writing	Escalate via advice and formal routes	GOV.UK health guidance + advice bodies

A final reassurance

Most households who take three basic precautions have a good experience:

they use accredited installers
they get a real assessment before major work
they keep paperwork and communicate in writing when issues arise

If you do those things, you dramatically reduce the chances of being scammed or left without support.

Conclusion

The Warm Homes Plan is, at its core, about making it easier for households to live in warmer, healthier homes with lower running costs—without needing to navigate a confusing landscape alone. The Plan’s ambitions are large: scaling clean heating, solar and storage, and upgrading millions of homes over the decade.

For you as a household, the most practical way to approach the Plan is not to chase headlines, but to follow a calm, step-by-step path:

The three steps that almost always pay off

Know your starting point: find your EPC, understand where your home loses heat, and identify ventilation/damp risks.
Choose measures in the right order: reduce heat loss, protect indoor air quality, then upgrade heating and add solar/storage where it fits your goals.
Protect yourself on quality: accredited installers, written specs, clear warranties, and a defined complaints route.

Why 2027 matters

The Plan’s intention is that from 2027 the consumer journey becomes simpler and more trusted—through an advice offer and a more consolidated delivery landscape.

That’s meaningful because a warmer home shouldn’t depend on your ability to decode government schemes or gamble on the right contractor. It should be a normal, supported improvement—especially for those currently living with cold, damp conditions.

Your next best action

Pick one of these “next steps” today:

check your EPC and make a list of the top three comfort problems in your home
book a credible assessment (especially before heating upgrades)
if you rent, put any damp/mould or heating reliability issues in writing to your landlord

You don’t need to do everything at once. You do need to start with the right information and the right protections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Warm Homes Plan basics

: The Warm Homes Plan is the Government’s programme to help households improve energy efficiency and adopt lower‑carbon heating and power where it makes sense, with the goals of lowering running costs, improving comfort, and reducing emissions. It isn’t one single grant; it’s a set of policies, funding routes and delivery changes that are meant to make upgrades easier to understand, safer to buy, and more accessible—especially for households most affected by cold homes and high bills.
: Not usually. Most people will engage with parts of the Plan through specific routes—such as a grant for low‑income households delivered locally, support for clean heating, or offers for finance to spread costs. Over time, the intention is that the “front door” becomes clearer so you spend less time hunting for the right scheme and more time getting the right work done.
: For most households, no. The Plan is designed to accelerate upgrades and improve standards rather than forcing an immediate swap in a single year. Where requirements tighten over time (particularly in rented homes), the practical impact is more likely to be felt at the point of letting, renovation, or when a heating system needs replacing, rather than as a sudden universal deadline.

Timing and rollout

: 2027 is presented as a key point where the consumer journey is meant to become simpler and more coordinated, including clearer advice and oversight. In other words, it’s less about a single “start date” and more about the moment the programme aims to feel easier to use in real life—less confusing, with better signposting and stronger quality protections.
: If you can make sensible, low‑risk improvements now—like draught proofing, loft insulation top‑ups, fixing faulty extractor fans, or improving heating controls—it’s often worth doing rather than waiting. The most important thing is to avoid rushing into major measures (like wall insulation or a new heating system) without a proper assessment, because mistakes are expensive regardless of the year.
: Early on, many households will still interact with existing schemes and local delivery programmes, while market capacity and guidance continue to improve. As the Plan scales, you should expect clearer advice routes, more consistent delivery in low‑income programmes, and wider uptake of clean heating and solar—alongside stronger expectations and standards, particularly in the rental sector.

Eligibility and access

: Households on lower incomes, those in fuel poverty, and people considered vulnerable (for example due to health conditions) are typically the groups prioritised for grant-funded support, because improving warmth and reducing damp risks can have immediate health and wellbeing benefits. Eligibility rules are set by scheme design, so the right approach is to check official criteria and local programmes rather than relying on marketing claims.
: Yes, potentially. Some support is designed to be more universal, such as certain clean heat grants or broader finance offers, although there are still eligibility criteria based on property type, technology suitability and scheme rules. Even where there isn’t a grant, households may still benefit from advice, accredited installer routes, and discounted finance options if those develop as intended.
: It often does, because EPCs are commonly used as a quick way to identify homes that are likely to benefit from efficiency upgrades. That said, EPCs are not perfect and don’t capture every detail of a home’s real-world performance. If you’re close to a threshold or your EPC is old, a fresh assessment can make a difference, and some schemes use additional data beyond EPC alone.
: Be cautious. Eligibility normally requires checks, and reputable providers will not guarantee funding before they have verified your circumstances and property suitability. Treat “automatic eligibility” messages—especially cold calls, texts, or doorstep visits—as a red flag until you’ve cross‑checked the claim through official sources or trusted advice channels.

Assessments and EPCs

: An EPC is a standardised certificate used for selling/letting and general recommendations, while a proper retrofit or upgrade assessment is designed to make sure specific measures will work in your specific home. For major decisions—like wall insulation, heat pumps, or whole‑house ventilation—you want the deeper assessment, because it considers heat loss, moisture risk, ventilation needs, and how systems should be designed and commissioned.
: In most cases, yes—especially for high-cost measures. The biggest disappointments happen when people buy a technology first and only later discover their home needs enabling work (like insulation improvements, radiator upgrades, electrical upgrades, or ventilation changes). A good assessment doesn’t just tell you what to buy; it helps you avoid buying the wrong thing.
: If you’ve made changes since the EPC was issued, if you’re applying for support that uses EPC criteria, or if the certificate seems to misrepresent your home (for example, it lists insulation you don’t think exists), updating it can be worthwhile. If your goal is making decisions rather than compliance, a targeted home assessment may be even more useful than a new EPC alone.

Insulation and ventilation

: Insulation can reduce condensation risk by warming surfaces, but problems arise when homes are made tighter without adequate ventilation or when insulation is installed badly. The safe approach is to treat insulation, draught proofing and ventilation as a package: reduce heat loss, then ensure moisture is controlled with reliable extraction and fresh air pathways.
: No‑regrets measures are the ones that tend to work well in many UK homes when done correctly and with basic checks, such as topping up loft insulation where accessible, draught proofing around doors and windows (without blocking essential vents), and insulating hot water cylinders and pipework. They usually offer comfort improvements quickly and have relatively low disruption compared with wall or floor insulation.
: Not always. Many homes gain more from draught proofing, better curtains/blinds, and addressing key heat-loss routes like lofts and walls than from immediate full window replacement. If you do replace windows, the quality of installation and ventilation planning matter just as much as the glazing specification, because airtight new windows can change indoor humidity behaviour.
: Fix the causes first or in parallel, not last. Visible mould is a sign of an underlying moisture problem—such as poor ventilation, cold bridging, leaks, or inconsistent heating. Upgrades can help, but only if they include a plan for ventilation and moisture control; otherwise you risk trapping humidity in new ways.

Heat pumps and clean heat

: Often, yes—but suitability depends on the home’s heat loss, insulation level, and the design of the heating system. Many older homes can run a heat pump comfortably once heat loss is reduced and radiators or emitters are sized properly for lower-temperature heating. The key is design and commissioning, not the age of the property on its own.
: Most heat pump systems use a hot water cylinder, because they typically heat water differently from a combi boiler. If you currently rely on a combi boiler and you have limited space, this is an important early conversation—there are options, but space planning and realistic expectations are essential.
: Not definitely. Running costs depend on your current fuel (gas, oil, LPG, direct electric), your insulation, how the system is sized and set up, and which tariff you’re on. A well-designed system in a reasonably insulated home, run steadily with good controls, is far more likely to deliver savings and comfort than a rushed install with unrealistic promises.
: It usually feels like steadier comfort rather than short bursts of very hot radiators. Radiators may feel warm rather than scorching, but rooms are maintained at a stable temperature over longer periods. Many households find this more comfortable once they’re used to the different pattern, particularly when draughts and cold spots have been reduced.
: A heat network supplies heating and hot water from a central source to multiple properties via insulated pipes, most commonly in dense urban areas or estates. Whether you’ll be connected depends on local plans, building type and infrastructure; if it becomes relevant for your home, you should expect clear information on billing, maintenance responsibilities, service standards and what protections apply.

Solar, batteries and smart energy

: Solar can still be worthwhile in the UK because it generates across daylight hours and can meaningfully reduce the electricity you buy from the grid. The value depends on roof suitability (orientation, shading, condition), how much electricity you use during the day, and whether you can make use of export payments and smart tariffs.
: No. A battery can increase self‑consumption and help you shift energy use, but it is not automatically the best next step for everyone. Some households get excellent results from solar alone, especially if they use electricity during the day or can schedule flexible loads.
: Smart or time‑of‑use tariffs price electricity differently at different times, which can make a big difference if you have flexible demand (like charging a battery off‑peak, heating hot water at cheaper times, or running appliances when rates are lower). They can be particularly relevant when you add a heat pump, battery, or EV charging, because you have more opportunity to shift when you use power.
: Not in every case, but smart meters make it easier to use time‑of‑use tariffs and to monitor how upgrades affect consumption. If you’re adding solar, a battery, or a heat pump, better metering and monitoring can help you spot issues early and optimise how you use the system.

Costs, grants and finance

: Costs vary widely based on property type, measures chosen, and what enabling works are required. Some households start with hundreds of pounds for basic insulation and control improvements, while deep retrofits or major heating changes can run into many thousands. The safest way to approach cost is to get a proper assessment first, then compare like‑for‑like quotes with clear specifications and warranties.
: In many delivery routes, yes, particularly for low‑income programmes where the goal is to improve comfort and reduce bills as a package. For households outside targeted grants, you may find support is more focused on specific technologies (like clean heat) or on finance options rather than full grants for every measure.
: Discounted finance aims to reduce the cost of borrowing compared with typical consumer credit, making it easier to spread the cost of upgrades. The important practical point is that “discounted” still needs to be affordable for you: you should compare total repayable amounts, understand the term and interest rate, and consider what happens if you move home or want to repay early.
: If you qualify for grant-funded support, it often makes sense to prioritise grants for long‑life fabric measures that permanently reduce heat loss, because they improve comfort and protect health outcomes over decades. Finance can be useful for measures where upfront cost is the main barrier and where you’re confident the system will be well designed and maintained, but it should never be taken on the basis of vague or guaranteed savings claims.

Renters, landlords and complex homes

: Usually, major upgrades must be commissioned by the landlord or managing agent because they affect the fabric and fixed systems of the property. As a tenant, your strongest route is to report problems early and in writing, especially where there is damp, mould, unreliable heating, or significant draughts. If you are offered an upgrade programme in your area, you may still need landlord consent before work can proceed.
: Start by understanding the current energy performance of your properties, identifying the worst performers, and planning a realistic upgrade pathway that won’t create damp issues. In many cases, improving basic insulation, ventilation and controls reduces complaints and protects the property, and it can also make later heating upgrades easier and less disruptive.
: They can be, mainly because decisions and permissions may be shared between leaseholders, freeholders and managing agents, and because space and siting constraints matter for technologies like heat pumps. Flats can still benefit substantially from insulation, ventilation improvements, smart controls, and—in some cases—communal solutions like heat networks or shared energy systems, but coordination tends to be the defining challenge.
: You can still improve warmth and efficiency, but you may need a more careful approach and, in some cases, permissions for external changes. Measures that respect building breathability and heritage detailing are important, and specialist advice is often worthwhile so you don’t accidentally create moisture problems or planning disputes.

Quality, warranties and complaints

: A trustworthy installer welcomes questions, provides written specifications, explains what surveys and calculations they will do, and is transparent about warranties and complaint routes. You should be wary of anyone who avoids details, won’t put promises in writing, or pressures you to sign quickly. Trust is built through evidence: accreditation, references from similar jobs, clear documentation, and a sensible approach to risk.
: You should receive documentation that proves what was installed, that it meets relevant standards, and that it has been properly commissioned and handed over. This typically includes certificates, warranty documents, user guidance for controls, and evidence of testing or commissioning where relevant. If you ever sell your home, good paperwork also helps protect value and reduces buyer uncertainty.
: Start by reporting issues in writing to the installer, clearly describing what’s wrong, when it happens, and what outcome you want (for example, a commissioning revisit, a fix, or remedial work). Keep photos and notes. If you don’t get a reasonable response, move to the formal complaints route connected to the installer’s consumer protection scheme or dispute resolution process, and seek independent advice early so problems don’t drift for months.
: The safest path is to use official sources to confirm what support exists, avoid responding to cold callers, and only proceed after an assessment and a written quote from an accredited installer. Any offer that relies on urgency (“today only”), secrecy (“special access”), or guaranteed funding without checks should be treated as a warning sign, not an opportunity.

Glossary

A way to resolve a dispute without going to court, usually through an independent body that reviews evidence and helps reach a decision. In home upgrades, ADR may be available if you have an unresolved complaint about workmanship, performance, or how a service was delivered.

A heating system that extracts heat from outdoor air and transfers it into your home for space heating and (usually) hot water. It runs on electricity and works best when the home’s heat loss is reduced and the heating system is designed for lower flow temperatures.

A type of heat pump that delivers warm (or cool) air into rooms via indoor units, similar to modern air conditioning. It typically heats rooms but does not usually heat domestic hot water, so hot water needs a separate solution.

A measure of how much uncontrolled air leaks in and out of a home through gaps and cracks. Improving airtightness can reduce draughts and heat loss, but it must be balanced with planned ventilation to avoid condensation and poor indoor air quality.

A survey of your home to understand where heat is lost, what upgrades are suitable, and how to avoid problems such as damp and mould. A good assessment looks beyond an EPC and considers construction details, ventilation, moisture risk, and (for heating upgrades) heat loss and system design.

A home battery that stores electricity for later use, often paired with solar panels or time‑of‑use tariffs. It can increase how much of your solar electricity you use yourself and can help shift usage away from expensive peak periods.

A grant programme (England and Wales) that helps reduce the upfront cost of installing certain low‑carbon heating systems, most commonly heat pumps. In practice, applications are usually handled through an eligible installer who confirms whether your home and installation meet the scheme rules.

Legal standards that certain building work must meet to ensure safety and performance (including insulation, ventilation, electrics, and heating work). Some upgrades require compliance checks, certificates, or notification, even if planning permission is not needed.

Non‑repayable funding that contributes to the cost of installing eligible upgrades, such as insulation or low‑carbon heating. Capital grants usually have eligibility rules and may require work to be carried out by accredited installers.

Insulation installed into the gap between inner and outer brick/block walls to reduce heat loss. It can be effective when the wall and exposure conditions are suitable, but poor suitability checks can increase damp risk.

The process of testing, configuring, and verifying a new system so it works correctly and efficiently. For heating systems (especially heat pumps), commissioning should include setting controls, checking flow temperatures, and ensuring the system delivers the expected comfort.

Water that forms when warm, moist indoor air meets colder surfaces (like windows or uninsulated external walls). Condensation risk usually rises when ventilation is weak, humidity is high, and surfaces are cold.

A formal framework that offers standards, oversight, and a route to complain or seek redress if things go wrong. In home upgrades, consumer protection is often linked to using accredited installers and recognised schemes that require clear contracts, warranties, and dispute processes.

A measure of heat pump efficiency: the ratio of heat delivered to electricity used at a given moment. A higher COP means more heat output per unit of electricity, but real-world performance depends on design, flow temperature, and how the system is run.

Unwanted moisture in a home that can come from condensation, leaks (penetrating damp), plumbing problems, or ground moisture. Damp can damage the building fabric and increase the risk of mould, so it should be investigated and addressed—not ignored.

Sealing unwanted gaps that let cold air in and warm air out (around doors, windows, loft hatches, and floors). Done well, it improves comfort quickly; done badly, it can reduce necessary ventilation and increase condensation risk.

A programme that places obligations on larger energy suppliers to deliver energy efficiency improvements, typically targeted at lower‑income or vulnerable households. Support often includes insulation and heating measures delivered through approved contractors.

A certificate that rates a property’s energy efficiency (A–G) and provides recommended improvements. EPCs are commonly used when homes are sold or rented and may be used to screen eligibility for certain support.

Insulation fixed to the outside of a building, usually finished with render or cladding, to reduce heat loss through solid walls. It can greatly improve comfort, but it changes the external appearance and requires careful detailing to avoid water ingress and thermal bridging.

A principle that prioritises reducing heat loss through the building fabric—insulation, draught control, and glazing improvements—before (or alongside) changing the heating system. It reduces the size and running cost of any heating system you install later.

The temperature of water sent from a heating system to radiators or underfloor heating. Lower flow temperatures are typically better for heat pump efficiency, but they often require larger heat emitters or improved insulation to maintain comfort.

A situation where a household cannot afford to heat their home to an adequate level of warmth, often due to low income, high energy prices, and poor energy efficiency. Definitions and official measures can vary across the UK nations.

A heat pump that extracts heat from the ground via buried pipes (ground loops) and uses it to heat the home and hot water. GSHPs often perform very well, but installation is more complex and typically requires outdoor space.

The part of a heating system that releases heat into rooms, such as radiators, underfloor heating, or fan coil units. Heat pump systems often need properly sized emitters to provide comfortable warmth at lower flow temperatures.

A calculation (often room-by-room) estimating how much heat your home needs on a cold day to maintain a target indoor temperature. It is essential for sizing heat pumps and radiators correctly and for predicting comfort and running costs.

A system that supplies heat (and often hot water) from a central plant to multiple buildings through insulated pipes. Heat networks are common in dense areas, blocks of flats, and some estates, and they have distinct billing and maintenance arrangements.

A device that moves heat from one place to another using electricity, providing space heating and often hot water. Heat pumps can be highly efficient, but they rely on good system design, correct sizing, and suitable controls.

A proposed or developing approach to modelling home energy performance intended to improve how efficiency is assessed compared with older methods. It is relevant because it may influence future EPC approaches and how upgrades are recommended or prioritised.

The quality of the air inside your home, influenced by ventilation, humidity, pollutants, and mould. Good IAQ supports health and comfort and becomes especially important when homes are made more airtight through upgrades.

A building with legal protection due to its special architectural or historic interest. Some energy upgrades are still possible, but you may need listed building consent and specialist approaches that protect the building’s character and moisture behaviour.

Insulation added at ceiling level (in a loft) or between roof rafters to reduce heat loss through the roof. It is often one of the most cost‑effective measures, but it must be installed without blocking essential loft ventilation.

Heating solutions that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared with traditional fossil fuel boilers. This can include heat pumps, heat networks supplied by low‑carbon sources, and (in specific circumstances) other technologies depending on policy and local context.

A certification scheme for low‑carbon technologies and installers, commonly used for heat pumps and solar PV. Using an MCS‑certified installer is often required to access certain grants and consumer protections.

A whole‑home ventilation system that continuously supplies fresh air and extracts stale air while recovering heat from the outgoing air. MVHR is most effective in homes that are relatively airtight, and it helps control humidity while reducing ventilation heat loss.

Minimum legal energy efficiency requirements for certain rented properties, typically linked to EPC ratings and exemptions. MEES rules influence landlords’ obligations and can affect what improvements are needed over time.

The energy regulator for Great Britain, responsible for protecting consumers and overseeing aspects of energy markets. Ofgem also administers or supports parts of home energy schemes and publishes guidance relevant to certain grants and obligations.

A publicly available specification that sets out a framework for high‑quality domestic retrofit, including roles, responsibilities, assessment, and risk management. It is designed to reduce failures by ensuring upgrades are planned as a coherent whole.

Formal approval from the local planning authority for certain types of building work or external changes. Some measures may be “permitted development” in specific circumstances, but restrictions can apply—especially for flats, listed buildings, and conservation areas.

Choosing radiators (or other emitters) with enough heat output to keep rooms comfortable at the system’s intended flow temperature. Correct sizing is particularly important for heat pumps, which generally run at lower flow temperatures than gas boilers.

Improving an existing building’s performance after it has been built, often involving insulation, ventilation improvements, heating upgrades, and smarter controls. A good retrofit improves comfort and health as well as energy efficiency.

A framework that requires certain electricity suppliers to pay eligible households for exporting renewable electricity (such as solar PV) back to the grid. SEG rates and terms vary by supplier, so offers need comparing carefully.

A meter that automatically sends energy usage information to your supplier and can provide more detailed data to you. Smart meters can make it easier to use time‑of‑use tariffs and monitor how upgrades change your consumption.

Insulation added to homes with solid walls (no cavity), either internally or externally, to reduce heat loss. It can significantly improve comfort, but it needs careful moisture, ventilation, and detailing design to avoid unintended damp or mould issues.

A part of a building where heat flows out more easily due to a break in insulation or a change in materials (for example, around window reveals or at corners). Thermal bridges can create cold spots that increase condensation and mould risk.

An electricity tariff where the unit price changes at different times of day (for example, cheaper overnight and more expensive during peak times). Time‑of‑use tariffs can be valuable alongside heat pumps, batteries, and smart controls—if your household can shift some usage.

A government-endorsed quality scheme for trades and home improvement work that aims to improve standards and offer consumer protection. TrustMark registration can provide a clearer route for complaints and dispute resolution where covered.

Planned, purposeful air exchange that removes stale air and moisture while bringing in fresh air. Good ventilation is essential to prevent condensation and mould—especially after draught proofing or insulation makes a home more airtight.

A body described in the Warm Homes Plan as part of a shift towards clearer advice, oversight, and a more joined‑up consumer journey. The intention is to make it easier for households to understand options, eligibility, and trusted routes to delivery.

The funding and finance mechanism described in the Warm Homes Plan intended to support large‑scale home upgrades, including routes that can help households spread costs. It sits alongside grant programmes and wider policy measures.

The Government’s programme and policy package intended to scale up home energy efficiency and low‑carbon upgrades, improve delivery and consumer protections, and reduce the cost and confusion households face when upgrading their homes—especially from 2027 onwards.

A written promise (from a manufacturer or installer) about what will be repaired or replaced if something fails within a set period. Always check what is covered, how to claim, whether maintenance is required, and whether the warranty remains valid if you move home.

A control feature—commonly used with heat pumps—that adjusts the heating system’s flow temperature based on outdoor temperature. When set up correctly, it helps maintain steady comfort while improving efficiency and reducing running costs.

Useful organisations

Warm Homes: Local Grant assisted digital support helpline

If you’re applying for the Warm Homes: Local Grant online and get stuck (or you do not feel confident using the digital service), this is the official helpline for assisted digital support. It’s designed to help you complete the application and understand what happens next, including local council follow-up and any home survey that may be arranged.

Citizens Advice

If you’re in England and Wales and you want free, impartial help about energy-related consumer problems (including issues with suppliers, billing, or complaints routes), Citizens Advice is usually the right first stop. They can help you understand your rights, what to do next, and how to escalate a complaint properly—particularly before you go to an ombudsman.

Ofgem

Ofgem is the gas and electricity regulator for Great Britain. While Ofgem does not resolve individual billing disputes in the way a helpline might, it does publish consumer protections and runs scheme information. If you need to contact Ofgem about its policies or functions (or to report certain issues), its consumer affairs contact routes can help.

TrustMark

TrustMark is the Government-endorsed quality scheme for work carried out in and around the home. If you’re choosing an installer (or have concerns about poor workmanship), TrustMark is relevant because it focuses on verified, quality-assured trades and routes for consumer protection. It can also be helpful when you want to confirm whether a business is registered before agreeing to work.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme support team

If you’re in England or Wales and exploring a heat pump through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), Ofgem’s BUS support team is the correct contact for scheme questions. This is useful if you’re unsure about eligibility basics, process steps, or you need help understanding how applications and installer-led claims work in practice.

References

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) (2026) Warm Homes Plan. CP 1470. London: His Majesty’s Stationery Office.
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/696f8a3ec0f4afaa9536a0c4/warm-homes-plan-standard-print.pdf
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) (2026) Warm Homes Plan: Technical annex. GOV.UK policy paper (published 21 January 2026).
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/warm-homes-plan/warm-homes-plan-technical-annex
House of Commons (2026) Warm Homes Plan (ministerial statement, PDF). Commons Business (published January 2026).
https://commonsbusiness.parliament.uk/Document/101595/Pdf?subType=Standard
House of Commons Library (2026) Help with energy efficiency, heating and renewable energy in homes (Commons Library Research Briefing CBP-9585, 10 February 2026). London: House of Commons Library.
https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-9585/CBP-9585.pdf
Ofgem (2024) Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) (guidance and scheme overview). Ofgem.
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-and-social-schemes/smart-export-guarantee-seg
UK Government (2020) Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): earn money for exporting the renewable electricity you have generated (notice). GOV.UK (published 1 January 2020).
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/smart-export-guarantee-seg-earn-money-for-exporting-the-renewable-electricity-you-have-generated
UK Government (n.d.) Apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme: Overview. GOV.UK.
https://www.gov.uk/apply-boiler-upgrade-scheme
Ofgem (2022–2025) Boiler Upgrade Scheme: Guidance for property owners. Ofgem (guidance document).
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/guidance/boiler-upgrade-scheme-guidance-property-owners
UK Government (n.d.) Boiler Upgrade Scheme (Find a grant listing). Find government grants service.
https://find-government-grants.service.gov.uk/grants/boiler-upgrade-scheme-1
UK Government (2024) Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund Wave 3: budget allocation. GOV.UK.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/warm-homes-social-housing-fund-wave-3-budget-allocation/warm-homes-social-housing-fund-wave-3-budget-allocation
UK Government (n.d.) Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund Wave 3 (scheme page and guidance). GOV.UK.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/warm-homes-social-housing-fund-wave-3
UK Government (n.d.) Energy Performance Certificates for the construction, sale and let of dwellings: a guide. GOV.UK.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/energy-performance-certificates-for-the-construction-sale-and-let-of-dwellings/a-guide-to-energy-performance-certificates-for-the-marketing-sale-and-let-of-dwellings
UK Government (2025) Technical annex for chapter 2: What EPCs measure (EPC reform consultation annex). GOV.UK.
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/reforms-to-the-energy-performance-of-buildings-regime/technical-annex-for-chapter-2-what-epcs-measure
UK Government (2024) Energy performance of buildings certificates in England and Wales: technical notes. GOV.UK.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/energy-performance-of-buildings-certificates-in-england-and-wales-technical-notes/energy-performance-of-buildings-certificates-in-england-and-wales-technical-notes
UK Government (2023) Understanding and addressing the health risks of damp and mould in the home. GOV.UK guidance.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/damp-and-mould-understanding-and-addressing-the-health-risks-for-rented-housing-providers/understanding-and-addressing-the-health-risks-of-damp-and-mould-in-the-home--2
NHS inform (2025) Damp and mould indoors. NHS inform (Scotland).
https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/indoor-health/damp-and-mould-indoors/
Citizens Advice (n.d.) Complaining about an energy efficiency home improvement. Citizens Advice.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/save-energy-at-home/complaining-about-an-energy-efficiency-home-improvement/
TrustMark (n.d.) Support (homeowner support overview). TrustMark.
https://www.trustmark.org.uk/homeowner/support
TrustMark (n.d.) Complaints process. TrustMark.
https://www.trustmark.org.uk/homeowner/support/complaints-process
Dispute Resolution Ombudsman (n.d.) Dispute resolution for TrustMark. Dispute Resolution Ombudsman.
https://www.disputeresolutionombudsman.org/page/dispute-resolution-for-trustmark
UK Government (2024) What to do if you have poor quality wall insulation. GOV.UK guidance.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/what-to-do-if-you-have-poor-quality-wall-insulation
Ofgem (n.d.) ECO4 complaints process (guidance and signposting). Ofgem.
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/energy-company-obligation-eco/contacts-guidance-and-resources/eco4-complaints-process
Planning Portal (n.d.) Planning permission: Air source heat pump. Planning Portal.
https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/heat-pumps/planning-permission-air-source-heat-pump
Planning Portal (n.d.) Building Regulations: heat pumps. Planning Portal.
https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/heat-pumps/building-regulations
Energy Saving Trust (2024) Consumer protection information. Energy Saving Trust.
https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/consumer-protection/

Still have questions?

If you’ve read this guide and you’re still unsure what applies to your home—especially around eligibility, what order to do upgrades in, or how to compare quotes—speaking to an expert can save you time, money and stress.

A good expert conversation can help you:

interpret your EPC and identify the biggest “comfort wins”
sense-check whether a heat pump/solar/battery proposal is realistic
understand likely costs, savings and disruption for your housing type
spot red flags in quotes, finance offers, or installer claims
plan a phased upgrade pathway that fits your budget

If you choose to speak with an expert, you’ll usually get the most value if you have:

your EPC (or property address details to locate it)
photos of your boiler/heating setup and your loft (if accessible)
recent energy bills (or tariff info)
notes on comfort problems (cold rooms, mould spots, draughts)

Your first consultation should be free—use it to ask the “awkward questions” and make sure you feel confident before you commit to any work.

The Warm Homes Plan