Free Insulation Grants Wales 2026
Insulation Grants in Wales: How to Find Out What You're Entitled To
Wales has a solid set of insulation funding schemes, and the good news is there's one simple starting point that covers most of them: call Nest. Before you spend any time researching online or getting quotes, a call to Nest on 0808 808 2244 will tell you exactly what you qualify for. It's free, takes about 20 minutes, and their advisers are genuinely useful.
Here's a breakdown of what's available and who each scheme is for.
The Nest Scheme: Wales's Main Low-Income Route
Nest is funded by the Welsh Government and is the primary route for lower-income households in Wales. It can fund free insulation as part of a wider home energy package.
Who qualifies for Nest?
- Households receiving means-tested benefits (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, etc.)
- Households with a low income and an EPC rating of E, F, or G
- Households where someone has a long-term health condition worsened by cold or damp
- Owner-occupiers and private renters in Wales (landlord agreement required for renters)
If you qualify, Nest looks at your whole home rather than just one measure. You might get loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, and a new heating system all at once — the package is designed around what will make the biggest difference to your home's efficiency.
ECO4: UK-Wide Funding That Applies in Wales
ECO4 is the energy company obligation scheme, funded by energy companies and available across the whole UK. In Wales, it runs alongside Nest and can fund insulation for households that meet the eligibility criteria.
ECO4 targets households with an EPC rating of D or below who are on means-tested benefits, or with an EPC of E, F, or G on a low income. Cavity wall, loft, and solid wall insulation are all possible under ECO4.
You can apply through your energy supplier or through a registered ECO4 installer. In practice, calling Nest first is often the better route — they'll tell you whether ECO4 or Nest is the right scheme for your situation, and may be able to refer you directly.
The Great British Insulation Scheme in Wales
GBIS targets homes with a poor EPC rating in council tax bands A–E. Wales, like Scotland, uses the A–E eligibility rule — meaning Band E properties qualify. England only covers A–D, so Welsh Band E homeowners have access to GBIS funding that their English counterparts don't.
| Group | Eligibility | Council tax band |
|---|---|---|
| General group | EPC D–G (D must have specific circumstances) | A–E |
| Low-income group | Means-tested benefits or low income | Any band |
GBIS is delivered by energy companies and installers registered with the scheme. You can apply through the government's energy efficiency scheme finder, or via an ECO4/GBIS registered installer who will assess your eligibility.
The Warm Homes Programme
Wales has its own Warm Homes programme, which brings together funding for energy efficiency improvements in social housing and local authority homes. If you're a Housing Association tenant, your landlord may be able to access Warm Homes funding for insulation improvements to your home — worth raising with your housing officer if you're in draughty or poorly insulated social housing.
What Can You Typically Get for Free?
For most Welsh households that meet the eligibility criteria for Nest or ECO4, the following are typically available at no cost:
- Loft insulation — bringing it up to the recommended 270mm depth. Saves £150–£300 per year.
- Cavity wall insulation — where the property has an unfilled cavity. Saves £150–£300 per year.
- Solid wall insulation — where the home has solid walls and no cavity. More expensive, but can be covered for qualifying households.
What If You Don't Qualify for Any Scheme?
If your income is above the thresholds for Nest and ECO4, and your home doesn't meet GBIS criteria, you'll need to fund insulation privately. Cavity wall insulation costs £400–£1,000. Loft insulation costs £300–£700. These still have payback periods of 2–4 years given current energy prices, so they're worth doing even without a grant.
Some local authorities in Wales also run their own area-based insulation schemes from time to time — it's worth checking with your council.
The Simplest Step You Can Take Today
Call Nest on 0808 808 2244. They'll check your eligibility across all Welsh schemes, tell you what you qualify for, and help you access it. The call is free, the service is impartial, and they'll save you a lot of time comparing schemes yourself.