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

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Everyone wants to make their home more eco-friendly, but for lots of people this is easier said than done. Making a property more energy efficient usually requires a few home renovations — and these aren’t always cheap!

Before you become dispirited — don’t worry, there is a solution! 

Luckily, the cost of green living has been recognised by the UK government in the form of their Green Homes Grant scheme. Apply for this grant, and you could be awarded a voucher towards the cost of making your home more energy efficient. Whether this means installing low-carbon heating or improving your home’s insulation, you’ll be able to improve your home without having to break the bank.

Interested? This article covers the key information you need to know if you’re thinking about making an application

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.

Are you eligible?

You can check your eligibility online now.

So you can get an idea, you might be eligible if:

  • You live in England

And:

  • You own your own home (this includes shared ownership and long-leaseholders)
  • You own your own park home on a residential site (this includes Gypsy and Traveller sites)
  • You are a residential landlord in either the private or social rented sector (this includes local authorities and housing associations)

Who isn’t eligible? The UK government website states that you will not be able to access the grant if you have a newly-built home which has not been lived in before.

You also can’t use a Green Homes Grant voucher for an improvement if you are already using funding under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) for the same improvement. You can access both, however, as long as you use them for different measures. Likewise, you can’t access the scheme if you have already received support from the Local Authority Delivery Scheme.

You can use the scheme if you’re a landlord, but there are some requirements (you can find this information on the UK government Green Homes Grant website). 

Unfortunately, you aren’t eligible if you’re planning on completing the work yourself.

Can you still get work done during Covid?

Yes, you can still use the scheme and get work done despite Covid-19 restrictions being in place. As long as they are following COVID-19 secure guidelines, Green Homes Grant installers are allowed to continue working in your home during lockdown and you can still make an application for a voucher.

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.

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