Did you now that the UK’s properties are some of the most inefficient in the world? And this isn’t helping homeowners, with energy bills continuously on the rise and people struggling with their bills.
But the good news is, there are schemes in place to give you a helping hand. In fact, a variety of incentives will give you the chance to maximise the energy efficiency of your home with insulation.
So let’s see what there is on offer for you to take advantage of.
What funding is available?
The primary Government funding is the Green Deal scheme, which offers loans for home improvements. As much as £10,000 can be issued, paid back through the money you save on energy bills. Instead of it being a private loan, it’s instead attached to the property.
There is also the Energy Company Obligation (ECO), which is a grant allowing you to make improvements. However there are strict criteria for this and it’s generally for those receiving benefits.
And of course, if you have solar panels installed you can benefit from the feed-in tariff, which pays out for the electricity you generate.
How can I improve my home?
With the Green Deal scheme there’s a whole range of improvements on offer. This includes a replacement boiler, draught proofing, double glazing, wall cavity insulation and loft lagging. You could also benefit from the installation of renewables.
If you want to take advantage of the Green Deal, the first step is to have an assessment of your property, which is conducted by a Green Deal professional.
The ECO scheme covers fewer improvements, but you can still get a replacement boiler, wall cavity insulation or solid wall insulation fitted for absolutely nothing.
Am I eligible for an insulation scheme?
For the Green Deal, eligibility tends to be open to everyone. The only exception would be if your home is already efficient or was built in the last three years. A Green Deal assessor would visit your home and make an assessment on the measures which could be imposed.
The ECO scheme is a different kettle of fish and there are strict eligibility criteria to benefit from the grants. You’ll typically need to be on a low income or receiving some type of benefit.
What should I be careful of?
The main thing you have to beware of are rogue companies claiming to be affiliated with the Green Deal and misleading customers. This is typically found with companies that cold call (either by phone or door-to-door).
There are a number of approved assessors and installers for the Green Deal, which are available on the Green Deal Oversight and Registration Body website. And one of the main complaints from customers is paying for an assessment when in fact they believe they’ll receive a boiler.
If an assessment is required, it will only set you back around £120, rather than the £400 quotes by cowboys.
Spotting a scam:
- Were you cold called?
- Does the deal seem too good to be true?
- Have you been asked for an upfront fee?
- Have you been pressurised to make a decision?
- Has the company supplied incorrect contact details?
If you are answering yes to any of the above then we’d advise you to be extremely careful on your next course of action. If you are suspicious in any way, then ensure to contact trading standards who can investigate the matter further.
Remember, all improvement work you pay for should be covered by a guarantee, so always check the paperwork. Any complaints that aren’t resolved should be dealt with by the Energy Ombudsman Service.