Winter is creeping up fast and soon the heating will be cranked up and your bills will crank up with it. You may be unaware of the free energy-saving home improvements available to certain homes throughout the UK. The government has put into place new initiatives to ensure that everyone can heat their home during the winter. Read on to find out if you are eligible for some of the improvements available.
The Affordable Warmth Grant funding is an initiative set up to provide improvements for those homes that need it most. If you are an eligible candidate, then these improvements are completely free.
The Government:
The Government applied The Energy Companies Obligation to help reduce the greenhouse gas emissions in the UK. As apart of this obligation, energy companies are required to improve the energy efficiency of homes. They are expected to assist people on low income with their home heating efficiency. This program is called Affordable Warmth.
Affordable Warmth:
Under this scheme, free energy home improvements are available to those who need it most and these amendments can save homeowners hundreds of pounds a year. The Affordable Warmth system is typically available to those on benefits, such as pension credit, child tax credit, working tax credit or income support, or with a low income. Even if you aren’t eligible, someone who lives in your home maybe as this is assessed on household eligibility, not individual eligibility. A yearly tax calculator can assist you in determining eligibility.
Improvements available:
On the Affordable Warmth programme, homeowners may receive three types of energy saving improvements:
- A new boiler: A new energy efficient boiler could save you a lot of money as your boiler can account for up to 60% of your annual energy costs.
- Loft insulation: We all know that heat rises and if your loft is not correctly insulated you can lose up to 25% of your home’s heat through your roof. By installing better loft insulation your house will hold more of the heat in.
- Cavity wall insulation: Most of the houses built after 1920 have a gap in between the inner and outer layers of the walls. This gap can be filled in with insulation helping your home to hold heat much better than before.
Even if you are not eligible for these improvements for free, it is worth investing in these improvements now to save you money in the log run. You will also be doing your bit for the environment.
How to apply:
All energy companies are required to provide this service to their customers and the application process is usually very simple and online. You are more than likely to receive a home visit and the energy company will let you know if you owe any additional costs toward new pipe work and/or radiators.
