With a variety of government led energy efficiency funding schemes in circulation today, it often feels confusing as to which step you should take first. Here is all you need to know about what schemes are out there and how to apply.
No ECO funding is awarded without eligibility checks, so it’s important to know what conditions must be met under each scheme, so that you can make the most of these government initiatives to make your home more comfortable and cheaper to run.
Residential Energy Services are trusted energy advisors that have made the process of pursuing funded energy home improvements quicker, easier and stress free. We can also help you understand which energy grant is right for you.
ECO4 – What is it?
An ECO4 grant is a government scheme that offers support to low income households in improving energy efficiency. By applying to ECO4, you have the opportunity to receive whole house retrofit support, funded by your energy suppliers.
The ultimate goal of ECO4 is to have energy grants that enhance the energy efficiency of low-income and vulnerable households, providing benefits and savings for property owners like you.
ECO4 – What’s available?
ECO4 home improvements may include, but are not limited to:
A process that involves filling the gaps within your walls to improve insulation, keeping your home warmer and more energy-efficient.
A method of adding insulation material to the exterior walls of your home, enhancing thermal efficiency and reducing heat loss.
Room in roof insulation
Insulating the space that exists between the roof and the ceiling of a room, optimising energy usage and creating a more comfortable living environment.
Utilising renewable energy from sources like the air to provide efficient heating and reduce your energy bills. Heat pumps are becoming more popular to replace existing inefficient boilers (particularly non-gas)
Generating electricity using sunlight, reducing your reliance on traditional power sources energy saving, and lowering your carbon footprint.
Electric heating systems that store heat during off-peak hours and release it when needed, providing efficient and cost-effective warmth.
Double glazing
Installing windows with two panes of glass, enhancing insulation and reducing heat transfer.
Replacing an old, inefficient boiler with a newer, more energy-efficient model, resulting in lower energy consumption and potentially reduced heating costs.
Installing insulation material to the inside walls of your home, preventing heat loss and improving energy efficiency.
ECO4 is a whole-house retrofit approach, combining various measures to optimise energy efficiency and enhance your living space.
ECO4 – How do I get it?
You must meet two criteria in order to be eligible for eco-for funding.
Your household must receive at least one of the following government assisted benefits.
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Income-related Employment Allowance (ESA)
Income Support (IS)
Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
Working Tax Credit (WTC)
Child Tax Credits (CTC)
Universal Credit (UC)
Housing Benefits
Pension Credit Savings Credit
The EPC rating for your home must be D, E, F, or G.
Your EPC rating is the official recognition of the energy efficiency of your property. It is an indicator of the extent of your carbon footprint and how much your energy usage is affecting the environment.
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) – What is it?
In order to assist homeowners in improving their home’s energy efficiency and lowering their energy costs, the government has developed alongside the ECO4 scheme a new grant programme, The Great British Insulation Scheme.
A “general eligibility group,” which includes properties in the lower council tax categories, will be part of GBIS’ support scheme and will focus on the least energy efficient performing homes.
Eligible households should save up to around £310 a year on their energy bills.
GBIS – What’s available?
As per the name of the scheme, GBIS will focus completely on insulation measures, namely loft insulation and cavity wall insulation.
Loft insulation works by adding a layer of insulation material in between your loft joists, helping to prevent heat loss and keep the home warm. This measure saves money by reducing the need for constant heating, resulting in lower energy bills.
GBIS – How do I get it?
Only two requirements must be achieved in order to be eligible for GBIS grant funding:
The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for your house must have a D-G rating.
You must be in English council tax bands A-D, Scottish tax bands A-E or Welsh council tax bands A-E.
The EPC rating for your home must be D, E, F, or G.
Your EPC rating is the official recognition of the energy efficiency of your property. It is an indicator of the extent of your carbon footprint and how much your energy usage is affecting the environment.
How do I check my eligibility for any of these?
Check your eligibility free with us right away to find out what upgrades to your home’s energy efficiency you are eligible to receive.
Once we’ve made sure you’re eligible, we will assess the energy use on your property by conducting a complete home energy assessment. Energy providers will then determine the improvements that are required and how much funding you need. Your home is then equipped with measures under the relevant scheme, lowering your energy costs and carbon emissions.
Fill out the form below to start the process: