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 15 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 then you may be able to get a grant towards a first time central heating system if you receive certain benefits (see e.g. JJ Crump).
If you don’t have a mains gas connection, you could still get assistance towards a connection (see here), but it is harder to get a grant to cover a new heating system.
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. The help that is still available stems from:
1) Government’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme. To be eligible you will need to a) own the property or rent from a private landlord, b) receive means-tested benefits (disability benefits are no longer standalone qualifying benefits) and c) have requirements for insulation. There is no help available for a replacement oil, coal or LPG boiler and, even for gas, the installation must be accompanied by insulation measures as part of a ‘whole house’ approach.
Possible options: JJ Crump, Borthwick Heating, 0800 Repair, YES Energy Solutions.
2) 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. See here for more information.
3) 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 a renewable heating system?
There are grants for heat pumps available for homes that are not connected to mains gas. Possible options
Warm Homes: Local Grants – this offers energy efficiency improvements for homes who have a household income under £36,000 and an EPC rating of D or below.
Connected for Warmth – eligibility based on household income and includes the possibility of 2-years worth of help with electricity costs for residents with a health condition.
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 (not means-tested).
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?
Some possible places to try:
Great British Insulation Scheme – grants of up to £1,500 for insulation, eligibility based on Council Tax A to D and EPC rating D to G
YES Energy Solutions – partner for North Yorkshire Council (and other local authorities) for energy efficiency measures.
E.ON Green Homes Grants – you do not have to be an E.ON customer