Understanding the Difference Between Gas and Off-Gas Homes for ECO4, GBIS, and Other Schemes

Understanding the Difference Between Gas and Off-Gas Homes for ECO4, GBIS, and Other Schemes

If you're considering applying for a government-backed energy grant like ECO4 or GBIS, there's one question that can make all the difference:
Is your home gas or off-gas?

While it might sound like a technicality, this one detail plays a major role in determining which energy-saving improvements you're eligible for — from insulation and new boilers to solar panels and storage heaters.

What Do “Gas” and “Off-Gas” Homes Mean?

Before we dive into the schemes, it’s important to clarify what we mean by gas and off-gas homes.

• Gas Home:
  Your property is connected to the main gas grid and uses a gas boiler for heating and hot water.

• Off-Gas Home:
  Your home is not connected to the main gas supply. Instead, it may rely on electricity, oil, LPG, or solid fuel for heating.

Many homeowners don’t actually know their home type until they check. A quick look at your heating system, boiler, or utility bills usually gives the answer.

Why Home Type Matters for Energy Grants

The UK government’s energy-efficiency grants are designed to support low-income or vulnerable households — but each scheme has different goals and rules. Your home type determines:

• Which upgrades you’re eligible for

• How much funding you can get

• Which installers or suppliers can work with you

Let’s look at the most common schemes and how your home type affects them.

GBIS (Great British Insulation Scheme)

Goal:
To improve insulation in homes with low EPC ratings (D-G), especially those in lower council tax bands or receiving benefits.

Gas vs Off-Gas in GBIS:

• Gas Homes:

  • Eligible for loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, and ventilation measures (like trickle vents or extract fans).

  • Focus is on improving insulation to reduce gas usage and lower energy bills.

• Off-Gas Homes:

  • Also eligible for insulation and ventilation upgrades.

  • Funding amounts and prioritisation may differ depending on your location and EPC rating.

Key Point: GBIS mostly targets insulation improvements, so it applies to both gas and off-gas homes. But grant value might vary.

ECO4 Scheme

Goal:
To fully upgrade low-income households by improving heating systems, insulation, and overall energy performance.

This is where your home type really matters.

Gas Homes under ECO4:

• You may be eligible for:

  • Boiler upgrades (only if your existing boiler is non-condensing or broken)

  • First-time central heating (FTCH) — if you currently don’t have one

  • Loft, cavity wall, and underfloor insulation

  • Ventilation upgrades

If your gas boiler is already energy-efficient and working fine, you may not qualify for a new one.

Off-Gas Homes under ECO4:

• Big opportunity for:

  • Electric storage heaters (modern high-retention types)

  • Solar panel installations

  • Air source heat pumps (in some cases)

  • Solid wall insulation

  • Room-in-roof insulation

Key Point: Off-gas homes are often prioritised for renewable and electric heating solutions, especially if there’s no central heating.

Other Schemes to Be Aware Of

Local Authority Flex (LA Flex):

• Some councils have their own eligibility rules under ECO4 and GBIS.

• They may offer support for both gas and off-gas homes depending on funding and targets.

• It's always worth checking with your local authority.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS):

• For off-gas homes only.

• Offers grants to replace old fossil fuel systems with low-carbon alternatives like heat pumps.

• Must be privately owned, with EPC of D or above (no loft/cavity wall insulation issues).

How to Check If Your Home Is Gas or Off-Gas

If you’re not sure which category your home falls under, here are a few quick checks:

1. Check Your Boiler:
   If it uses gas, there should be a visible gas supply pipe and a gas meter.

2. Look at Your Utility Bills:
   Do you get gas bills from suppliers like British Gas, EDF, or E.ON? That’s a strong sign you’re on-grid.

3. Search Your Address on the MPRN Lookup Tool:
   The MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number) will confirm if you’re connected to the gas grid.

4. Ask a Certified Installer or Surveyor:
   If you apply through a grant provider like Simple Green Energy, we can confirm it for you during a free survey.

📊 Summary Table: Gas vs Off-Gas Eligibility

Final Thoughts: Why This Matters for You

Knowing whether your home is gas or off-gas isn’t just about heating — it’s the first step to unlocking  government funding that could save you thousands.

• If you’re on-gas, focus on insulation, ventilation, and maybe a boiler upgrade.

• If you’re off-gas, you could be eligible for solar panels, electric heaters, or even a whole-home upgrade.

Need help finding out your home type or checking your eligibility?
Simple Green Energy offers a free eligibility check and survey to guide you through the process.