The Current State of the ECO4 Market and Opportunities for Installers
The ECO market has seen its fair share of ups and downs over the past year, making it challenging for installers to fit air source heat pumps (ASHPs) under the ECO4 scheme. Some companies have seen installation rates drop from five per week to just one or two per week. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. As we enter the final year of ECO4, installation volumes are beginning to recover.
If you're an installer looking to enter the ECO market, now is the time to take advantage of available grants and funding.
Mitsubishi Ecodan air source heat pump
How to Get MCS Certification for ECO4 Installations
Many ECO4 grants require installers to hold MCS certification, ensuring that installations meet high-quality standards. However, if you prefer not to go through the expensive and time-consuming process of becoming MCS accredited yourself, you can subcontract MCS certification to us, making it easier for you to get started.
Our services range from MCS-compliant design and supply through to full installation. We can also tailor a package to suit your requirements, ensuring the mechanical ASHP installation is completed to a high standard. Given that this is often the most expensive part of a project, it’s crucial to get it right the first time.
If you're already MCS certified and have the capability to design and install in-house, you may feel that our services aren’t necessary. However, as your business grows, we can seamlessly support your expansion without adding the burden of extra overheads. Our flexible solutions are designed to scale with your needs, allowing you to focus on increasing volume while we handle the complexities of the project.
Whether you're already MCS-certified or just beginning your journey, Alto Energy provides a clear, efficient path to installing heat pumps through ECO4, giving you the support and resources needed to succeed in the evolving market.
What Properties Are Suitable for heat pumps Under ECO4?
The primary goal of the ECO scheme is to improve the overall energy efficiency of a property. To ensure heat pumps operates at their best, proper insulation must be in place beforehand, making the property fully heat pump-ready.
Ironically, much of the ECO funding is targeted at properties that are not ideal for heat pumps, particularly older, solid brick buildings with poor insulation and significant heat loss. For installers, this creates a challenge in determining which properties are truly suitable for a heat pump, as there are multiple factors to consider before installation can take place. That’s where we come in.
Our team can help assess the suitability of each property, providing expert advice on insulation requirements and other key factors to ensure the best possible outcome. With our support, you can confidently navigate these challenges and make informed decisions about which properties are appropriate for a heat pump installation.
Samsung air source heat pump
Under the ECO4 scheme, properties with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or lower are generally eligible for air source heat pumps and other energy-saving measures, provided the residents meet specific criteria. The focus is on supporting low-income households and those in fuel poverty.
Below is a breakdown of the eligibility requirements:
EPC Rating: To be eligible for ECO4 funding for ASHPs, a property must typically have an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G. These ratings indicate that the home has significant potential for energy efficiency improvements.
Insulation: Adequate insulation is required before an ASHP can be installed. This ensures that the system operates efficiently and helps retain heat within the home.
Primary Residence: The property must be the primary residence of either the homeowner or tenant. Both homeowners and landlords are eligible, as long as the property is used as the main residence.
Income Thresholds: ECO4 is specifically designed to assist low-income households and those experiencing fuel poverty.
Vulnerable Households: Special provisions are available for vulnerable households, including those with health conditions that are worsened by living in a cold home. These households may still qualify for ECO4 assistance even if they don't meet the standard eligibility criteria.
Benefits: Households receiving certain benefits, such as housing benefit, income support, or child benefit, may also qualify for funding under the ECO4 scheme, helping to reduce energy costs for those most in need.
If you’re unsure whether a property is suitable for a heat pump, whether as a homeowner or an ECO installer, get in touch with our team. We’re happy to help assess suitability and advise on the best approach.
Want to Enter the ECO Market?
If you’re looking to install ASHPs through the ECO scheme, speak to Alto Energy today to see how we can support your business.