What is the Green Homes Grant and does it apply to you

What does the Green Homes Grant offer?

So, why apply for the Green Homes Grant? Will it really offer me that much help? Though these are valid questions, the answers are overwhelmingly positive. 

The Green Homes Grant is a voucher scheme offering homeowners financial assistance towards the cost of labour, materials, and VAT needed for environmentally-friendly home improvements.

It covers two-thirds of the cost of eligible improvements. So, say your entire double glazing installation costs £1,200, you’ll only have to pay £400. The UK government will foot the rest of the bill!

This being said, this is only up to a maximum government contribution of £5,000. If two-thirds of your total bill is greater than this, you’ll have to pay the difference. So, for example, if your energy efficient home improvement ends up costing £9,000 in total, the government will not pay £6,000 (the whole two-thirds of this amount). As their contribution is capped at £5000, you’ll have to pay the remaining £1,000 plus the £3,000 you would have paid anyway. 

Some people are exempt from this rule, such as those receiving certain benefits. If this is you, you might be able to get a voucher covering 100% of your costs (up to the maximum value of £10,000). It might be worth checking your eligibility just in case.

What are common ways to increase energy efficiency?

There are a number of ways to increase your home’s energy efficiency with your voucher. 

You voucher must be used to install at least one so-called ‘primary measure’, but this terms covers lots of options such as:

• Solid wall insulation (internal or external)
• Cavity wall insulation
• Loft insulation
• Flat or pitched roof insulation
• Room in roof insulation 
• Under-floor insulation
• Insulating a park home
• Low carbon heating measures such as installing an air source, ground source, or hybrid heat pump, solar thermal, or a biomass boiler

As long as you are using your voucher towards at least one primary measure, you can also use it towards secondary measures such as double or triple glazing and draught proofing.

At New Windows, we’re proud to offer Argon-filled, A-rated double glazed windows as standard. But if you’re looking for the most energy efficient option, ask us about our low U-value Solar Elite Glass which is 20% more efficient than even A-rated glass.

We also offer finance options which you can use in conjunction with your Green Homes Grant voucher. Choose between flexible monthly payments, interest free credit, or our buy now / pay later options. We’ll work with you to create a tailored finance plan that’s best for you.

How to apply for the Green Homes Grant

To apply for the Green Homes Grant scheme:

First, check your eligibility, then see what energy efficient or low carbon heat improvements are suitable for your property. You should then search for certified installers in your area who can complete the work and get a few quotes for your planned work (this is required in your application). Lastly, apply for a voucher!

Remember – hold off commencing any work until your voucher has been approved and prevent any costly surprises. Once you have your voucher, it’s only valid for three months or until 31st March 2022. Make sure you redeem it before this time or request a voucher extension before the deadline.

For more information on getting your work done or redeeming your voucher, see the government Green Homes Grant scheme website.

To find out which green home improvements we can help you with at New Windows, contact our friendly team for a chat. 

Finally, if you’re about to apply for a voucher — good luck! You won’t regret it.