{"id":2545,"date":"2014-04-08T09:00:39","date_gmt":"2014-04-08T08:00:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.anytrades.co.uk\/?p=2545"},"modified":"2014-04-08T09:00:39","modified_gmt":"2014-04-08T08:00:39","slug":"homeowners-ignoring-green-deal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.local-quotes.co.uk\/guides\/seasonal\/homeowners-ignoring-green-deal\/","title":{"rendered":"Why are homeowners ignoring the Green Deal?"},"content":{"rendered":"

We all want to do something about those expensive energy bills. And the chances are, if your home wasn\u2019t built in the last 20 years it\u2019s not likely to be very efficient. So what does this mean? You\u2019re losing a lot of the heat produced because of inefficiency. <\/p>\n

So what if there was a way to implement energy efficiency upgrades but without the cost? Well, there is. But there\u2019s a chance you\u2019ve not heard about it. <\/p>\n

This is available with the Government\u2019s Green Deal; a scheme that offers you the opportunity of improving your home with loans worth up to \u00a310,000. <\/p>\n

But surprisingly, since the scheme was launched towards the end of 2012, only 36 households have taken up the offer. Let\u2019s find out what the problem is\u2026
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How does it work?<\/h2>\n

Effectively, the Green Deal acts as a loan for any energy efficiency improvements you wish to take up. As well as the repayment there\u2019s also a fixed interest rate between 7% and 9%. The Golden Rule is that you won\u2019t pay back more than you\u2019re saving on bills with the upgrades. <\/p>\n

What\u2019s included?<\/h2>\n

Amazingly, there are 45 different measures under the Green Deal scheme. Included among these are popular improvements such as solar panels, replacement boilers and insulation. <\/p>\n

What\u2019s the next stage?<\/h2>\n

There are a number of steps involved with the Green Deal and the first stage is for your property to be assessed by an approved Green Deal assessor. The assessment highlights the areas of your home which need improving and crucially, how much money you could save depending on the measure. <\/p>\n

This is where the majority of people who have considered the Green Deal are. They\u2019ve paid for the review but not taken matters any further. This review costs on average \u00a3120, but can range between \u00a390 and \u00a3200 depending on the company. <\/p>\n

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If you proceed, you\u2019ll need to find a Green Deal approved provider to carry out the measures you wish to take up. Loans are available up to \u00a310,000 so you can make as many or as little changes as you want. <\/p>\n

Once the measures have been implemented you\u2019ll begin to make repayments. <\/p>\n

Why hasn\u2019t the Green Deal been more popular?<\/h2>\n

Time seems to be the contributing factor, with plenty of form filling and administration required. This would probably explain why as few as 36 households have completed the process. <\/p>\n

Green Deal or no Green Deal?<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s fair to say the Green Deal hasn\u2019t exactly had the best of press over the last 18 months. But it is a viable scheme for those who want to improve the efficiency of the property without having the funds available to pay yourself. <\/p>\n

There is also a cashback incentive too for those who take up the scheme early. \u00a340m has been set aside for homeowners including \u00a3100 for loft insulation, \u00a3650 for solid wall insulation, \u00a3250 for boiler upgrades and \u00a3320 for double glazing. <\/p>\n

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Richard Hiblen, founder of independent energy consultants Green Square, has recognised a possible pitfall though.
\nEssentially Green Deal providers will not offer prices which are as competitive as normal companies. This means it\u2019s really important to compare Green Deal and non-Green Deal companies before signing the dotted line. <\/p>\n

He says: \u201cIt\u2019s wise to research quotes and the possibility of rectifying each measure in your own time with your own finance.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe five major things that are picked up by your Green Deal assessment will be double glazing, cavity wall insulation, a new boiler, loft insulation and efficient light bulbs. Get competitive quotes and, if you can self-fund or find a lower interest rate, then do it. <\/p>\n

\u201cThose measures do pay for themselves. I\u2019d only advise the Green Deal if someone\u2019s got no money, can\u2019t borrow and needs to make those improvements to take control of their heating bills.\u201d<\/p>\n

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F<\/strong>acts & Figures You’ll Love To Share<\/strong><\/p>\n

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  • [tweetable alt=””]The average UK home could save \u00a3280 a year with energy efficient upgrades.[\/tweetable]<\/li>\n
  • [tweetable alt=””]50 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide would be reduced if everyone improved home insulation.[\/tweetable]<\/li>\n
  • [tweetable alt=””]There are 45 different measures under the Green Deal for improving home efficiency.[\/tweetable]<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    To compare 4 quotes click the relevant picture below to submit your details<\/h2>\n