Homely and the ECO4 Innovation Uplift
If you’re installing heat pumps under ECO4, you could get more funding by using the Homely smart controller.
Homely has been approved for a 25% Innovation Measure Uplift. This only applies to the controller part of the system but can still make a noticeable difference to how much you’re paid.
This guide explains what the uplift is, how it works, and what it means for you on site.
What is ECO4 and the Innovation Uplift?
ECO4 is a government scheme that helps make homes more energy efficient. It gives funding through energy suppliers to pay for upgrades like heat pumps. Installers get paid on how much energy the system is expected to save which is worked out using something called the Partial Project Score (PPS). The higher the PPS, the more you get paid. Some products, like Homely, qualify for a 25% uplift on the PPS for the controller. This means higher savings are counted – and that means more funding for the job.
Why does Homely qualify?
Homely qualifies for the uplift because it helps the heat pump work more efficiently, without relying on the homeowner to get the settings right. Specifically:
“The measure is a smart thermostat designed to be used exclusively with heat pumps. The measure uses internal temperature data to determine the heat loss of the home, and weather data to adjust the heat pump flow temperature in order to heat the home more efficiently. This automatic functionality reduces reliance on the end-user to adjust their system settings and is designed to increase the speed at which the system suits the schedule of the end-user. These features are designed to increase the efficiency of the heat pump and reduce the end-user heating costs.”
What it means for installers
When you include Homely, the controller part of your PPS increases by 25%, which can lead to a higher total ECO4 payment. The uplift is there to reward smart tech that improves efficiency. Homely qualifies, so the funding goes up when it’s used.
Example: Estimated installer earnings
These are estimates only and are for guidance. Actual payments will vary based on supplier, property size and SAP band. A fixed additional cost of £75 for Homely (compared to an alternative controller) has been applied to all examples. ABS (Annual Billing Savings) of 18.
What are the benefits?
- Homely doesn’t just affect funding – it also helps you save time and reduce hassle both on-site and post-install.
- Remote monitoring – use Homely Connect to see all your installs in one dashboard.
- Centralised tracking – check system performance without needing to go back to site
- Fewer callouts – automated weather curves mean less user errors and fewer problems.
- Faster fault-finding – if there’s an issue, you can diagnose it remotely.
This makes it easier to support multiple installs, especially if you’re covering a big area or working with a team.
Adding Homely to your ECO4 project
Homely isn’t on the PCDB as there are no smart controls for electrical heating and adding Homely to your project doesn’t affect the SAP score. The 25% uplift applies only to the controller’s Partial Project Score. To add Homely, include it under Measures (where you select insulation/heating etc.) so you can calculate Partial Project Scores. For reference, Homely is Innovation Measure 34.
Summary
Homely’s 25% uplift increases ECO4 funding on the controller and can translate into significant extra income per install, depending on the property.
- It doesn’t impact the SAP score or EPC.
- Make sure you’ve got the right evidence to claim ECO4 funding with our straightforward checklist.
- Homely also allows you to remotely access your heat pumps with fewer issues and gives you smoother installs.
Always check final values and eligibility with your ECO supplier.
