How can I find out how energy efficient my house is and what I can do to save energy?
If you have moved into your house in the last 19 years, you should have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) – this is a legal requirement every time a house is sold or rented out. An EPC rates a house from A to G based on insulation, heating system and controls, fuel type, lighting etc. It also identifies what you can do to improve the energy efficiency. You can search for your EPC by your address here.
You can also access the Home Heating Hub, a free and independent service from Communitas Energy CIC that can provide advice on energy efficiency improvements and link you up with grants.
I don’t have central heating, are there any schemes that can help me with this?
If you already have a mains gas connection but no central heating, are on a low income, have limited savings, and a health condition made worse by the cold, then you may be able to get a grant towards a first time central heating system. Please contact us for further information.
Where can I go for help with a new boiler?
There aren’t as many free boiler schemes as there were a few years ago and a household contribution is often required. If you have an oil- or coal-fired boiler then you will not get a grant towards a like-for-like boiler replacement, instead you would need to look at a grant for an alternative system such as a heat pump (see below).
If you have a gas boiler, there is:
1) LEAP boiler scheme. This offers help to fuel poor or vulnerable home owners whose gas boiler is broken or has been condemned. You need to be referred by a third party organisation (we can help you with this). See here for more information. It is currently closed (August 2026) but usually reopens in October time.
2) Local Council. If you own your home, it is also worth contacting your local Council as many have home repair assistance type schemes that may be able to help with heating upgrades.
Can I get help with renewable technologies such as a heat pump or solar PV?
Options include:
Warm Homes: Local Grants – this is delivered by local authorities and offers energy efficiency improvements for homes who have a household income under £36,000 and an EPC rating of D or below, including heat pumps and solar panels.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme – since 23rd October 2023, all households can apply for a grant of £7,500 to replace a fossil fuel boiler with a heat pump (this is not means-tested). If you heat with oil or LPG, the grant is £9,000 until March 2027.
Warm Homes Plan – this was announced by the government in January 2026 and will offer grants (for low income households) and low/zero interest loans for all households to install solar panels, batteries, heat pumps, insulation etc. It is not yet up and running but you can find more information on the Energy Saving Trust website.
Can I get a grant for new windows?
There have never really been any grants available for new windows, primarily because of the very high cost and the low level of energy savings that they generate. It may be worth checking with your local authority to see if they offer any kind of home repair assistance funds for home owners.
Can I get free loft and cavity wall insulation?
The best option for this at the moment is through the Warm Homes Local Grants scheme