ECO4 Flex

Aar0sc

Hi, 

There's not a lot on the forum or elsewhere online, I'm eligible for ECO4 Flex, my house is rated G1 and our combined earnings are well under the limit. However we've been told that ECO4 is happening right now, but Flex doesn't have a start date. Does anyone know anything more about it? We currently have a few electric heaters and an open fire, minimal insulation and no gas or other heating. I expect to get a new job in December/Jan that would take us over the earning limit but not leave us with enough to install decent heating (it would be me trying to cobble together something for a cheap gas boiler to power). 

Thanks for any knowledge!

Aar0sc

ECO4 Flex has now started, just need to convince the council (who run the scheme) to send a copy of my council tax bill to the council (who, err, run the scheme). But looking good so far. 

beckysheffield

How does it work? 

wrf12345

For householders is not run by the council (they have some separate schemes for social housing) but they have to okay your application to the *energy agency" who the council will give a link to (they vary according to location) but my local one seems totally overwhelmed and unable to reply, funding seems to come from the energy companies via the govn. It works when it works but is basically the wrong way round and would have been better implemented if eligibility was down to the tax office who actually know household income (councils can't be trusted will any personal info IMO) rather than having personal info splattered all over the place.

FreeBear

Aar0sc said: my house is rated G1 and our combined earnings are well under the limit.

I expect to get a new job in December/Jan that would take us over the earning limit but not leave us with enough to install decent heating (it would be me trying to cobble together something for a cheap gas boiler to power).

With a rating that low, in your shoes, I'd be prioritising insulation and doors/windows before investing in heating. Depending on your DIY skills, insulating walls & loft is not hugely difficult and if you can do the work yourself, the costs are manageable - Having had new windows/door fitted here, I'm slowly insulating the solid brick walls here. Only done two areas do far, but have noticed a big improvement already (although, the windows are probably the main contributor).

Van_Girl

I've had my quote for EWI, solar & ASHP through Eco4 LA Flex. My expected contribution was £20k which I just can't justify. The overall cost of works was £44k. 

They also didn't include for removing my oil tank, which would just increase the cost to me. 

Council is Flintshire

It might be a sizable grant contribution, but realistically, for most people with a household income of less than £30k, I can't see how a £20k payment from their own pocket would be feasible. 

Edit to say, contribution aside, the "design" included adding an extra radiator to every room.... My room sizes are petite to say the least, and I also don't have any available wall space. So it was just all a bit unworkable

[Deleted User]

Van_Girl said:

I've had my quote for EWI, solar & ASHP through Eco4 LA Flex. My expected contribution was £20k which I just can't justify. The overall cost of works was £44k. 

They also didn't include for removing my oil tank, which would just increase the cost to me. 

Council is Flintshire

It might be a sizable grant contribution, but realistically, for most people with a household income of less than £30k, I can't see how a £20k payment from their own pocket would be feasible. 

Edit to say, contribution aside, the "design" included adding an extra radiator to every room.... My room sizes are petite to say the least, and I also don't have any available wall space. So it was just all a bit unworkable

Fair comment. It might be worth getting a second quote for the work outwith the Eco4 scheme. Personally, I am always wary of schemes where Government money is involved. At least with quote that doesn’t involve a subsidy you would have a better idea of the true cost.

The effective size of radiators can be increased by replacing a single panel radiator with a double or even a triple panel.

https://www.stelrad.com/radiators/triple-k3-panel-radiators/

Van_Girl

@[Deleted User] I was preparing to cost it up using the BCIS schedule of rates, but given the ridiculousness of the radiator situation (as well as surface run pipework, loss of my car port and some other niggles) I didn't bother. It's also quite niche.

But, had I had more time, I would have gone out to a couple of different firms - both in and out of the scheme. As it stands, my income goes over the threshold next month so I'm out of time 

It will be interesting to see what the uptake is on this though

dnpark38

I heard about ECO4 and it's 4 routes to have a free boiler upgrade to my ancient gas boiler., I've been trying for a couple of months to find an installer who will make the application for me, you are not allowed by Ofgem to apply direct yourself.
Ofgem will not supply a list of approved suppliers, nor will Bradford Council who check the application.
Approached my energy supplier but they only operate the Route 3 IE you have to have a means tested benefit, I want the application to be Route 1 low income.
Approached many local firms and they have no interest.
I have concluded the whole Government scheme is in an organisation flop. 

MobileSaver

dnpark38 said:

I heard about ECO4 and it's 4 routes to have a free boiler upgrade to my ancient gas boiler., ...  Approached many local firms and they have no interest. I have concluded the whole Government scheme is in an organisation flop. 

The scheme is working fine around here (mid-Wales); I drove past a friend's house just yesterday and noticed all the scaffolding is up for the installers to fit solar panels.

What area are you in? Also what is your current EPC as in practice you have to be E or worse to be eligible?

As I understand it, one thing to be aware of is that it's not just about a free boiler but is a whole house energy efficiency upgrade and that you can't pick and choose which bits you want. In other words to make it worthwhile for everyone they'll be looking to fit solar panels if appropriate, an air source heat pump, new boiler and wall and loft insulation...

Aar0sc

FreeBear said:

Aar0sc said: my house is rated G1 and our combined earnings are well under the limit.

I expect to get a new job in December/Jan that would take us over the earning limit but not leave us with enough to install decent heating (it would be me trying to cobble together something for a cheap gas boiler to power).

With a rating that low, in your shoes, I'd be prioritising insulation and doors/windows before investing in heating. Depending on your DIY skills, insulating walls & loft is not hugely difficult and if you can do the work yourself, the costs are manageable - Having had new windows/door fitted here, I'm slowly insulating the solid brick walls here. Only done two areas do far, but have noticed a big improvement already (although, the windows are probably the main contributor).

I've fitted good double glazing to the front of the house, and that's made a substantial different. I've got solid stone walls, but I've left them bare as I was under the impression ECO4 would take back any covering I put on back to bare stone anyway. However I was approved for it back in January, I've had two surveys, and absolutely nothing since, despite a few emails and calls.