Government Grants for Energy‑Efficient Heaters in the UK: What You Need to Know
Introduction
Upgrading to an energy-efficient heating system can involve a significant upfront cost, but several UK government schemes are designed to help households and organisations reduce energy bills and carbon emissions. These programmes focus on improving overall energy efficiency through insulation, low-carbon heating technologies, and renewable electricity generation.
This guide explains the main UK government grants and funding schemes currently available, how they apply to energy-efficient heating, and where infrared heating fits within the wider policy landscape.
The Warm Homes Plan (£15 Billion Investment)
In 2026, the UK Government announced the Warm Homes Plan, a £15 billion programme aimed at improving energy efficiency and lowering household energy costs over the next five years. The scheme focuses on helping millions of homes adopt cleaner, more efficient energy solutions.
The Warm Homes Plan prioritises funding for:
- Solar panel installations
- Battery storage systems
- Heat pumps
- Insulation and fabric efficiency upgrades
At present, infrared heating systems are not explicitly listed as a directly funded technology under the Warm Homes Plan. However, the scheme places strong emphasis on reducing overall energy demand and improving building efficiency, areas where infrared heating can play a complementary role alongside renewables such as solar PV.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) provides grants of up to £7,500 to support the replacement of fossil fuel boilers with low-carbon alternatives, primarily air source and ground source heat pumps.
While infrared heating systems are not currently included within the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, many property owners use infrared heating alongside heat pumps to improve zoning, comfort, and control in harder-to-heat spaces.
You can compare these technologies in more detail in our infrared vs air source heat pumps guide.
Energy Company Obligation (ECO4)
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme requires major energy suppliers to fund energy-efficiency improvements for eligible households, particularly those on lower incomes or in energy-inefficient homes.
ECO4 funding typically focuses on insulation upgrades, heating controls, and improving overall building performance. While infrared heaters are not routinely funded as a standalone measure, they may be considered as part of a broader energy-efficiency strategy depending on local delivery rules and property circumstances.
Local Authority and Regional Grants
Many local councils offer grants, interest-free loans, or support schemes to help residents improve home energy efficiency. These schemes vary by region and may support a wider range of technologies than national programmes.
Eligibility, funding levels, and supported measures differ between councils, so homeowners are advised to check directly with their local authority for the most up-to-date information.
Where Infrared Heating Fits
Although infrared heating is not currently named as a primary technology within most national grant schemes, it plays an important role in reducing energy demand when used correctly.
Infrared heating systems can:
- Enable room-by-room heating rather than whole-house heating
- Reduce wasted energy in intermittently used spaces
- Work efficiently alongside solar PV and battery storage
- Provide targeted heating in properties where traditional systems struggle
For this reason, infrared heating is often installed as part of a wider energy-efficiency upgrade rather than as a grant-funded replacement technology.
Applying for Energy-Efficiency Grants
- Check eligibility: Use official government tools or speak with an energy-advice service to understand which schemes apply to your property.
- Assess your property: Grants often prioritise insulation and fabric improvements before heating upgrades.
- Apply early: Funding is limited and schemes may close once budgets are allocated.
Conclusion
UK government funding for energy-efficient heating continues to focus on reducing overall energy demand, improving insulation, and supporting low-carbon technologies such as heat pumps, solar panels, and battery storage.
While infrared heating is not currently listed as a directly grant-funded technology, it remains a highly effective solution for improving comfort and efficiency when integrated into a broader energy-saving strategy.
For tailored advice on combining infrared heating with other energy-efficient upgrades, speak with our heating specialists.
