In 10 seconds
Nest is the Welsh Government's primary grant scheme โ free boilers, insulation, heat pumps, and solar for eligible low-income homeowners and private tenants. Call 0808 808 2244 (English or Welsh). Never pay upfront, never accept doorstep callers โ legitimate grants are 100% funded.
The Nest Warm Homes programme
Nest is the Welsh Government's flagship household energy-efficiency programme. Operating since 2011, it has supported over 60,000 Welsh households. It funds free home improvements โ there is no homeowner contribution.
Nest typically funds:
- Boiler repair or replacement.
- Air-source or ground-source heat pumps.
- Loft and cavity wall insulation.
- Solar PV panels.
- Heating system upgrades (radiators, controls).
Nest eligibility
You must meet ALL of these criteria:
- Own your home outright, have a mortgage, or rent from a private landlord. Housing association and local authority tenants are NOT eligible.
- Either receive a means-tested benefit (Universal Credit, Tax Credits, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit) OR have household income below the threshold (single adult ยฃ15,521/year; couple ยฃ23,166/year โ confirm current figures with Nest).
- Live in a property rated EPC E (54) or lower. The threshold relaxes to EPC D (68) or lower if a household member has an eligible chronic health condition (respiratory, circulatory, mental-health, dementia, or intellectual/developmental disorder).
How to apply
There is no online application form for Nest โ applications are taken by phone after an eligibility check.
- Phone (free): 0808 808 2244, Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm.
- Welsh-language calls are welcomed on the same number.
- Online callback request: gethomeenergyadvice.service.gov.wales.
ECO4 โ the UK-wide scheme
ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation, 4th edition) is the UK-wide grant scheme administered through energy suppliers, available to eligible Welsh residents. It runs until 31 December 2026.
ECO4 has similar coverage to Nest (boilers, insulation, heat pumps, controls) but the eligibility tests differ โ you qualify either through certain means-tested benefits, through the Warm Home Discount, or through "ECO4 Flex" where 25% of funding is allocated to flexible criteria your local council sets.
If you're unsure which scheme to pursue, call Nest first on 0808 808 2244 โ they can refer to ECO4 routes where appropriate.
MCS and TrustMark โ why your installer must be certified
Two certifications are essentially mandatory for grant-funded work:
- MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) โ required for ANY installer fitting solar PV, solar thermal, heat pumps, biomass, or other microgeneration. Public register at mcscertified.com.
- TrustMark โ government-endorsed quality scheme. Required for ALL grant-funded energy-efficiency work in Wales (Nest and ECO4 will not pay an installer who isn't TrustMark-registered). Public register at trustmark.org.uk.
Common scams in Wales โ five red flags
Welsh Trading Standards, Care & Repair Cymru, and Citizens Advice Wales have all issued warnings. Watch for:
- Unsolicited doorstep callers or cold-calls claiming you're eligible for "free government grants". Legitimate Nest advisors NEVER cold-call.
- "Grant-funded" spray-foam loft insulation โ there are NO government grants for spray foam. The product can damage roof timbers, trap moisture, and make properties unmortgageable. Care & Repair Cymru has documented multiple cases of ยฃ2,000+ removal costs and unsellable houses.
- Any request for upfront payment โ Nest and ECO4 are 100% funded. There is no survey fee, no application fee, no installer deposit.
- Pressure to sign on the doorstep โ legitimate schemes provide written quotations and 14-day cooling-off periods.
- Claims about "new boiler bans" or "imminent regulations" pressuring you to act. Always verify with gov.wales or Ofgem before responding.
Where to report scams
If you've been targeted or already engaged:
- Citizens Advice Consumer Service (English): 0800 223 1133.
- Citizens Advice Consumer Service (Welsh): 0800 223 1144.
- Age UK (50+): ageuk.org.uk/scams.
- Local Trading Standards โ search via your council website.
Frequently asked questions
Am I eligible for free insulation from Nest?
You're eligible if you own or privately rent your Welsh home, receive a means-tested benefit (or have household income under ยฃ15,521 single / ยฃ23,166 couple), and your home is EPC-rated E (54) or lower. The threshold relaxes to D (68) if someone in the household has an eligible chronic health condition. Call 0808 808 2244 for the official check.
How do I find a qualified MCS solar or heat pump installer?
Search the public register at mcscertified.com. Filter by trade (solar PV, heat pump, biomass, etc.) and postcode. Always cross-check the MCS membership number against the one the installer gives you โ fake certificates are the most common scam in this space.
Is the Nest scheme still running in 2026?
Yes. Nest remains the Welsh Government's primary household energy-efficiency programme and is actively accepting applications.
Can I get a Welsh grant if I rent my home?
Yes via Nest if you rent privately (not from a housing association or local authority), with three conditions: landlord consent, 6+ months remaining on your tenancy, and 6 months minimum residency. Your landlord must also accept a 12-month rent freeze on the property after the work is done.
What if my landlord won't consent to Nest improvements?
Landlords cannot unreasonably refuse โ refusal can be challenged through Welsh housing law. Contact your local council's housing-advice team or Citizens Advice Wales (0800 702 2020 in Welsh). Some landlords also worry about the rent freeze, which can be negotiated alongside the application.
Does Welsh-language support exist for energy grants?
Yes โ Nest welcomes Welsh-language calls on the standard 0808 808 2244 number (Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm). All Welsh Government scheme documentation is published bilingually.
A caller says I'm eligible for a "free government grant" โ should I engage?
No. Legitimate Nest advisors never cold-call. If you want to check your eligibility, hang up and call Nest yourself on 0808 808 2244, or request a callback at gethomeenergyadvice.service.gov.wales. Never give bank details or pay anything upfront.
Is spray foam loft insulation grant-eligible?
No. Government schemes do not fund spray foam in Wales. Anyone claiming "grant-backed" spray foam is misleading you. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Welsh consumer-protection bodies have repeatedly warned that spray foam can damage roof timbers, trap moisture, void warranties, and make properties harder to sell or mortgage.
Sources
- Welsh Government โ Nest Warm Homes Programme โ Primary Welsh Government scheme page.
- Welsh Government โ Nest eligibility โ Detailed eligibility criteria.
- Get Home Energy Advice (Welsh Government service) โ Callback request portal.
- Ofgem โ ECO scheme โ UK-wide ECO4 regulatory authority.
- MCS โ find an installer โ Public register of MCS-certified microgeneration installers.
- TrustMark โ find a tradesperson โ Government-endorsed quality scheme; mandatory for grant-funded work.
- Care & Repair Cymru โ scam warnings โ Welsh charity documenting current scam patterns aimed at older homeowners.
- Citizens Advice Wales โ Consumer-protection advice including grant-scam reporting.
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