The Government’s Green Homes Grant scheme has opened for applications today. This provides vouchers towards the cost of energy efficiency improvements to your house. Work must be completed and vouchers redeemed by 31st March 2021.
What measures are eligible?
Measures are split into two groups:
1) Primary measures
Insulation
- solid wall insulation
- cavity wall insulation
- solid or suspended floor insulation
- loft insulation
- flat roof insulation
- pitched roof insulation
- room in roof insulation
- insulating a park home
Low carbon heat
- air source heat pump
- ground source heat pump
- solar thermal
- biomass boiler
- hybrid heat pump
2) Secondary measures
Windows and doors:
- draught proofing
- double or triple glazing (where replacing single glazing)
- secondary glazing (in addition to single glazing)
- energy efficient replacement doors (replacing single glazed or solid doors installed before 2002)
Heating controls and insulation:
- hot water tank thermostat
- hot water tank insulation
- heating controls
You can only receive a voucher for a secondary measure if you install a primary measure first
AND
The value of the secondary measure cannot exceed the cost of the primary measure.
How much can you get?
Everyone can get a voucher worth two-thirds of the total cost of the work, up to a maximum of £5,000. If you receive certain benefits, you can get a voucher for 100% of the cost, up to a maximum of £10,000.
How can I check my eligibility?
Complete the eligibility checker on the government’s Simple Energy Advice website – click here
How can I find out what measures are appropriate for my home?
If you complete the eligibility checker here, the tool will go on to check which measures may be appropriate for your home. You could also see whether there is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for your house – this provides further information and recommendations to improve energy efficiency. You can search by postcode here. Please bear in mind though that ECPs last 10 years and may not reflect any improvements made since the EPC was done.
How do I apply?
You need to firstly get a quote for the work – you can use the Simple Energy Advice website to find accredited installers. We would recommend that you get three quotes. You will need to provide a copy of the quote when you apply.
Once you have got the quote(s) visit: https://www.gov.uk/apply-green-homes-grant to submit your application.
Wait for confirmation that your application for a voucher(s) has been sucessful.
Once the voucher has been issued, you can contact an installer to start the work.
Once the work has been done to your satisfaction, you will need to pay your share of the cost to the installer (if applicable). You then need to redeem the voucher and the money will be paid directly to the installer.
Can I get help with new double-glazing?
You can only get help towards new double-glazing if 1) you are installing one of the primary measures listed above and 2) if you are replacing single-glazed windows. Even if you do meet these criteria, you can still only get a voucher for new windows up to the value of the primary measure. You cannot get help to replace old double-glazed windows.
Can I get help with a new gas, oil or LPG boiler?
No, the scheme does not cover gas, oil or LPG boilers. It is targeted at low carbon heating systems. To see whether it may be worth considering replacing your existing oil or LPG system, visit the Energy Saving Trust website where you can find examples of the costs and savings involved.
For more information please contact Kate: kate@yorkshireenergydoctor.org.uk or call 01757 249100 / 07738 818391