Best for most homeowners
Start with Home Energy Scotland. Widest eligibility, no income test, excellent rural support.
On benefits or low income
Check ECO4 first — it can deliver completely free upgrades. Many households combine both.
GBIS has closed
The Great British Insulation Scheme ended in March 2026. Focus on HES and ECO4 instead.
Full comparison table
| Feature | HES | ECO4 | Warmer Homes | GBIS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing | Until late 2026 | Ongoing | CLOSED |
| Best for | Most homeowners | Low income / benefits | Fuel poor / vulnerable | Basic insulation (closed) |
| Eligibility | Owner-occupiers, no income test | Benefits / Flex | Income £36k or less / vulnerable | CT bands A–E (closed) |
| Funding | Grant + loan | Usually free | Usually free | Free / subsidised |
| Max support | Up to £18,000 | £10,000–£25,000+ | £10,000+ | 1–2 measures |
| Measures | Heating, insulation, solar, windows | Insulation, heating, solar | Whole house | Insulation only |
| Rural advantage | Excellent (£18k) | Good (off-gas scoring) | Good | Limited |
| Tenure | Owner-occupiers | Owners + tenants | Owners + tenants | Owners + some tenants |
| Application | Home Energy Scotland | Energy supplier / council | Home Energy Scotland | Energy supplier (closed) |
| Combine? | Yes + ECO4 | Yes + HES loan | Yes + HES loan | Was combinable |
Can you use more than one scheme?
Yes — many Scottish households successfully use ECO4 (free measures) + HES grant and loan on the same property. This is one of the strongest advantages of being a Scottish homeowner compared to the rest of the UK.
Recommendation by situation
Most Scottish homeownersHES first
On benefits or low incomeECO4 first
Fuel poor or vulnerableWarmer Homes first
Rural or island propertyHES (strongest uplift)
Just need insulationHES or ECO4
LandlordHES landlord loan
Previously used GBISNow check HES and ECO4