The eligibility route
ECO4 requires qualifying households to achieve a minimum two-band EPC uplift (three bands for homes starting in E, F or G). Mr. Singh's property sat at EPC E 44 — so the scheme required us to get him to at least a C. Single-measure work wouldn't cut it. We modelled a bundle that would comfortably clear the threshold and put him in B territory.
The PAS 2035 retrofit assessment flagged the right sequence: fabric first (cavity + loft) to lower the heat demand, then right-size the boiler replacement against the new load. British Gas was confirmed as the obligated supplier and the TrustMark-registered paperwork was filed before install.
What we installed
Blown-bead EPS cavity wall insulation across all four elevations — a single-day job with minimal disruption. 300mm mineral-wool loft insulation laid in two perpendicular layers over a cleared loft floor. A 96% efficiency A-rated combi boiler replacing the 18-year-old unit, sized to the reduced post-insulation heat demand. A smart thermostat replaced the original mechanical dial.
Whole-job contract value was £11,400, covered 100% by ECO4 via British Gas. Mr. Singh's contribution was £0, confirmed at handover.
The outcome
Post-install EPC came back at B 86 — a three-band jump from E 44, well inside the ECO4 requirement. Projected annual gas use dropped from 22,000 kWh to 9,800 kWh, a 55% reduction, with projected annual savings of £1,040 at current unit rates.
Beyond the numbers, Mr. Singh's bungalow now heats reliably on the coldest mornings, the boiler cycles quietly instead of the old unit's clatter, and he has a smart control he actually uses rather than a dial he was afraid to touch.
“I'd been putting off replacing the boiler for years — couldn't afford it on my pension. When OMEGA surveyed and came back saying I qualified for the full package under ECO4, I honestly didn't believe it until the first invoice came through for £0.”