You may be aware of the government’s Green Homes Grants scheme. Originally announced on July 8th, the grant was introduced to provide homeowners and landlords with ‘vouchers’ worth up to £10,000 for energy efficient property improvements.
The announcement resulted in more questions than answers for most homeowners. So if you’re unsure of how the scheme works, here’s a brief rundown of the basics you need to know:
What is the purpose of the Green Home Grants scheme?
The government introduced the Green Homes Grants scheme to encourage homeowners to make their properties more energy efficient, by installing essential upgrades including double glazing and insulation.
What does the scheme offer?
Homeowners considered eligible under the scheme may qualify for vouchers worth up to £10,000 to be used on approved efficiency upgrades.
The majority of those who qualify will be able to claim a maximum of £5,000. The £10,000 vouchers are reserved for those on a low income.
What types of home improvements are covered?
There’s a good amount of flexibility to the scheme, designed to cover energy-saving home upgrades across two segments – primary and secondary measures. Examples of home upgrades within the segments include:
Primary measures
- Most types of insulation
- Solar thermal
- Air or ground source heat pumps
Secondary measures
- Upgrading to energy efficient windows and doors
- Double glazing and triple glazing
- Installation of secondary glazing
- Draught proofing
- Central heating system and boiler upgrades
The money provided by the scheme can be used for multiple energy efficient upgrades, providing they are formally approved.
Does the Green Homes Grants scheme cover double glazing?
If your home does not already feature energy efficient double glazing, triple glazing or secondary glazing, you may be able to cover much of the upgrade cost with the grant.
What if I already have double glazing?
Unfortunately, you will not be considered eligible for upgraded windows and doors if you already have double glazing. Even if your existing double glazing is relatively old and inefficient, you will not be able to upgrade to higher quality glazing under the scheme.
Who is eligible for a Green Homes Grant?
Details are still being clarified as to specific eligibility criteria, although funds will be available to cover a maximum of 2/3 of the proposed upgrade cost. For most people, this means it will still be necessary to cover some of the costs out of your own pocket.
However, the £10,000 vouchers available to low income households can be used to cover 100% of the costs.
How does the application process work?
All applications must be submitted via the Simple Energy Advice website, but only after obtaining a quotation from a reputable and approved contractor. The application for the proposed upgrades will then be considered, after which a decision will be made in due course.
If your application is successful, your voucher will be issued to pay your contractors – in full or in part.
How long will the scheme be valid for?
The government indicated its intent to bring the Green Homes Grants scheme to a close by the end of March 2021.
Is it worth going through the application process?
Yes. Doing so could save you money on your energy efficient home improvements. It costs nothing to apply and the process is relatively simple.
You will first need to obtain a quotation for your energy efficient upgrades, which is where we can help. Get in touch for your obligation-free quotation, along with additional support to establish your eligibility under the scheme.
