What does GBIS really mean?
Living costs and fuel prices are going up. A big reason why energy costs are going up is that heat is leaking through walls and lofts, in many of the UK’s most inefficient homes.
That’s why the government has set up a funding programme with energy suppliers to create more efficient homes; The Great British Insulation Scheme will help people save an average of £310 a year on their energy bills.
How does loft and cavity wall insulation save money?
The Great British Insulation Scheme is all about ways to keep heat in, like loft insulation and cavity wall insulation. There are many benefits to insulation, such as keeping your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter, increasing its value, and, most importantly, helping to reduce energy bills!
Why loft insulation is great for your home
We highly recommend Insulating your loft. This is one of the easiest and most popular ways of saving energy. It adds a thick layer of insulation to your home, keeping heat inside and cold outside. This gives you more control over the weather and gives your heating system a well-deserved break.
You essentially cover your whole house in a big blanket; this makes it cosier and warmer right away!
You’ll save money on power costs since you won’t have to turn up the heat as much.
Due to less heat loss, you will have better control over your heating as it will be easier to make changes.
A more comfortable setting is better for your health because it lowers your risk of getting bronchial diseases, coughs, colds, and the flu.
Your carbon footprint goes down when you use less energy, making your home and neighbourhood healthier.
Insulation can help cut down on the noise that comes into your home from outside.
The Great British Insulation Scheme states that just one step such as loft insulation can save homes up to £310 a year on energy bills.
Is the scheme a good fit for me?
To get a grant for insulation measures from the Great British Insulation Scheme, you need to meet two conditions.
1. The score on your Energy Performance Certificate – EPC – must be D-G.
What is an EPC? An Energy Performance Certificate – EPC – tells you how much energy your home uses and how it affects the environment and your heating bills. It evaluates heating systems, insulation and overall efficiency.
A house with a low EPC rating is not energy efficient and may need improved heating and insulation.
You can save money on bills and lower your carbon footprint by making your home more energy efficient. A low EPC grade is a clear sign that you are among the least energy-efficient households.
2. You must reside in an eligible council tax band.
Eligible tax bands in England are A through D. In Scotland, they are A through E. In Wales, they are A through E. You can visit the official government page to find out what tax band your home is in.
Eligible households are split into a general group and a low-income group.
General group residents:
Live in council tax bands A to D (England,) A to E (Scotland and Wales)
Have an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) of D to G, or D to E for private renters
General group residents who are eligible will receive one insulation upgrade, but may be requested to contribute around 10% towards the installation cost.
Low income group residents:
Receive qualifying benefits such as income-based job seekers allowance, income related employment and support allowance, income support, pension credit, guarantee credit or working tax credit
Live in the least efficient social housing
Have an EPC rating of D to G
Low income group residents who are eligible for low cost or free insulation may also receive a heating controls upgrade.
I want to apply for energy efficiency measures. What happens next?
Fill out our short online form with the necessary information to find out if you are eligible. After we have made sure you are eligible, it’s time for a Home Energy Assessment.
A qualified Retrofit Assessor will come to your house to do a Home Energy Assessment or a Retrofit Assessment. This includes checking your property, going over how effectively it uses energy, and figuring out what energy-efficient measures you can use to make your home more efficient.
We’ll put you in touch with our network of reputable partner installers. They’ll give you quotes on the work required and we will help you find any available funding.
The goal of Residential Energy Services is to help people who live in eligible households get the help they need. Helping those who live in the country’s least energy-efficient homes is what we’re here to do.
