The Green Deal hasn\u2019t exactly been the most popular of schemes introduced by the government over the last few years. <\/p>\n
Boasted as being the Government\u2019s flagship energy programme it has yet to fully take off with just a handful of applicants. <\/p>\n
But why wouldn\u2019t you want to improve the efficiency of your home with Government loans? <\/p>\n
Only 132 households have signed up so far in the first eight months. Not exactly a record breaker.
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Ok, so we know it hasn\u2019t proven popular thus far, but what exactly does the scheme entail? It\u2019s designed to boost energy efficiency with improvements such as loft insulation, wall cavity insulation and double glazing. <\/p>\n
Homeowners aren\u2019t required to make any upfront payments and are instead given a loan which is paid back for up to 25 years. You don\u2019t lose out either as payments are taken from the amount you save on energy bills. <\/p>\n
All good so far right?<\/p>\n
Upon application your home is assessed by an approved company to find out which improvements would be best suited. The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) say 58,000 homes have had their property assessed so far. <\/p>\n
And energy minister Greg Barker said: “This ambitious long-term programme is still in its initial months.
\n“But over 58,000 Green Deal assessments shows genuine consumer interest and we expect continued steady growth as we go into the winter.”<\/p>\n
So what is with the reluctance in uptake?<\/strong><\/p>\n There seem to be three factors putting many people off finalising their Green Deal plans:<\/p>\n It\u2019s a sure thing that gas and electricity prices will continue to increase in the future. Every expert is in agreement. This means it is very sensible to implement energy saving measures for your home. <\/p>\n Energy Saving Trust\u2019s David Weatherall suggests there are a number of ways to help deal with expensive energy bills.<\/p>\n He says: \u201cIf you have an uninsulated hot water cylinder, you could start saving now by fitting a tank jacket. And while you’re at it, you could also insulate any exposed hot pipework around the cylinder and around the boiler.<\/p>\n \u201cIt’s easy to fit yourself, the materials for the whole lot will only cost you around \u00a325, and you’ll save \u00a360 a year.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Facts & Figures You’ll Love To Share <\/strong><\/p>\n\n
What are the alternatives?<\/h2>\n