Warm Homes Plan: Energy Efficiency Upgrades (What Homeowners Can Expect)

Date: 19.02.2026


Government UpdatesHome EnergyHome GrantsRetrofit

🏡 What the Warm Homes Plan Means for Homeowners

The Warm Homes Plan sets out a long-term framework to help households reduce energy bills permanently by improving the energy efficiency of homes through upgrades. It looks beyond temporary relief, aiming to tackle fuel poverty and inefficient housing head-on by making energy-saving and low-carbon upgrades more affordable and accessible.

Key goals include:

  • Lowering household energy bills long-term.
  • Improving home comfort and warmth.
  • Supporting up to 5 million homes with efficiency upgrades by 2030.
  • Lifting up to 1 million families out of fuel poverty.
Warm Homes Plan Cheat Sheet: Energy Efficiency Upgrades


The Warm Homes Plan: Three Primary Pillars

1) Low-income Homes Funding

Low-income deemed homes are expected to receive support to cover the cost of home energy upgrade packages, based on successful applications.

2) Zero/Low-interest Loans

Households will also be able to apply for new government-backed, low or zero-interest loans for the installation of energy efficiency upgrades under the Warm Homes Plan.

3) Renters' Protection

Updates to renter's protection means support for landlords will improve over the course of the plan. For the majority, especially those renting a home, private or social, landlords will have the responsibility to ensure a healthy, warm and energy-efficient home which is also affordable.

💷 Funding Options for Homeowners

For most homeowners, the new Warm Homes Fund will provide low-interest and zero-interest loans to help cover the cost of installing energy-saving measures like:

Government-Backed Loans

  • Solar Panels
  • Battery Storage Syste,s
  • Heat Pumps
  • Insulation (loft, wall, floor)

Fully Funded Grants Through the Warm Homes: Local Grants

In England, the Warm Homes: Local Grant supports energy efficiency upgrades at no upfront cost for eligible homeowners on lower incomes or in homes with poor energy performance.

Grants can cover improvements that raise the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating to at least Band C. Local councils typically manage applications and delivery, partnering with contractors to complete the work. Funding is targeted where it will have the greatest impact on energy bills and living conditions.

Tip: Even if you don’t qualify for the fully funded grant, you may still benefit from loans or other subsidy schemes.

Read Our Warm Homes Plan Overview

"The Warm Homes Plan marks a significant turning point in how energy efficiency. Clean technology and household affordability are addressed across the UK..."

🔧 Warm Homes Plan Energy Efficiency Upgrades

What Home Upgrades Are Included In The Warm Homes Plan

Here are the most common Warm Homes Plan energy efficiency upgrades that homeowners can access:

☀️ Renewable & Low-Carbon Technologies

  • Solar panels and batteries – Reduce reliance on grid electricity and cut energy costs.
  • Air source or ground source heat pumps – Cleaner heating systems that replace or supplement traditional boilers.
  • Smart heat controls – Improve heating efficiency and optimise energy usage.

🧱 Fabric-First Home Improvements

  • Loft, wall, floor insulation
  • Draught-proofing
  • Window and door upgrades

📌 Warm Homes Plan Energy Efficiency Upgrades Eligibility, and How to Apply

Eligibility depends on several factors, including:

  • Your home’s current EPC rating – Lower ratings often indicate higher priority for funding.
  • Household income and benefits status – Especially for fully funded grants.
  • Local authority participation – Not all regions are rolling out the Warm Homes Local Grant at the same time.
  • Property ownership status – Homeowners generally have direct access; private renters may need landlord consent.

However, details are still being finalised and rolled out. Whilst the warm homes plan eligible energy efficiency upgrades above coupled with low or zero-interest loans, it doesn't escape the fact that installation is still a relatively large investment. Households will still need the supporting systems required to install the Warm Homes Plan Energy Efficiency Upgrades identified above.

How to get started:

Check your EPC rating. If your rating is old or missing, consider getting it updated.

Contact your local council or use a grant finder tool to explore available schemes and start your application.

Plan upgrades with trusted installers and retrofit advisers to maximise benefits.

Under the Warm Homes Plan 2026, eligibility is broad but tiered.

Low-income households and those in fuel poverty are prioritised for fully funded upgrades, including solar panels, heat pumps and battery storage, delivered through local authorities and social housing programmes.

Homeowners and private renters in properties with poor energy efficiency ratings may also qualify for grants where income thresholds or benefit criteria are met. In addition, the plan introduces government-backed low- and zero-interest loans available to households regardless of income, enabling wider access to clean heating and renewable technologies.

Eligibility and support levels vary by scheme and region, but the most generous assistance is targeted at vulnerable households.