Home improvements to any home, old or new can always be costly. It can be a hard decision to make, ensuring that it is worthwhile and that it will help towards the sale of your home in the future.
Many are now looking into ways to keep costs down within their homes. Going green can help to keep down utility bills and have some great benefits for the environment.
To push homeowners to do this, the Government has come up with a scheme to do just that. With the Green Home Grant you could qualify on updating your home to be more insulated, with the installation of double glazing, smart heating and thermal insulation. This Government Grant will provide you with vouchers in order to start your new eco home.
So, how do you apply?
You can apply via the Government website, they will then check to see whether you’re eligible for the vouchers. To be eligible you must fit into one of the following categories:
- Be a homeowner
- Be a residential Landlord
- Live in the UK
- You own your own residential site, such as a park home
What type of work will the voucher be used for?
The vouchers have been split into two segments, primary and secondary measures. This means that you can only use the voucher if you have a primary measure already in place or you use your voucher for this. The secondary measure can only be claimed once the primary measure is in place.
It is recommended that you seek professional advice before booking in any work, to ensure that you’re using your voucher wisely. There are however a number of ways to use this voucher to help improve your home. It should be noted, this voucher can only be used for 1 primary or secondary measure and not multiple, so choosing correctly and wisely is key.
Where do I claim the vouchers and who will carry out the work for me?
The vouchers and the work on your home can only be completed and spent with a local TrustMark Registered Installer who has also registered to be part of this scheme. It cannot be completed by yourself or family/friends.
What is included under the primary measures?
Heat Pumps
Included in this grant is the installation of heat pumps, although there are additional conditions for this particular cover;
- The heat pump must be installed for space heating and/or heating hot water only. It cannot be installed for outside usage such as swimming pools.
- The heat pump must entirely replace an existing fossil fuel system. For example, the voucher cannot be used to update an existing, low carbon heat pump.
- Declaration of planning permission must be shown, or it must be proven that one is not required.
- For any heat pump installation, a minimum amount of thermal installation must already be installed, this will not be covered by the voucher.
Insulation
The voucher will cover any of the primary insulation measures.
- Flat roof insulation
- Loft insulation
- Park home insulation
- Under-floor insulation
- Solid wall insulation, covering both internal and external
- Pitched roof insulation
There are also additional requirements for the above insulation of which the Government have stated on their website and would be key to look into before going ahead.
Secondary measures
As mentioned above, vouchers for secondary measures can only be used once a primary measure has been put into place or already exists within your home. The secondary measure must also not exceed the voucher cost of the primary.
The secondary measures include such things as double glazing, energy-efficient replacement doors, hot water tanks and smart thermostats.
If you’re thinking of utilising the Green Grant Voucher for your home, please do look into the Government’s guidelines to make sure that you’re eligible for the grant.
The Government will cover two-thirds of the costs, up to £5000, the rest must be covered by yourself. This is a huge help for making your home more energy-efficient and could save you hundreds each year off your utility bills.
For more information on this Grant covering the heat pump, please do get in touch with us on 01603 406052 or simply contact us via email enquires@heatdifferent.co.uk. We are always more than happy to help, whether it’s advising you on the best heat pump for your home or arranging a viewing to see how much is required for the installation.