Even those with a desire (regardless of payback) to make their homes as efficient as possible can easily get to a point where funding the required improvements becomes the limitation. Fortunately for a number of years now there has been a form of government assistance in one form or another.
The latest assistance scheme, The Green Homes Grant was announced in August 2020 and is now active. In summary most people can get a government contribution of two thirds of the cost of qualifying home energy improvements (up to £5,000). Interestingly you are allowed to combine this with the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) grant which creates a great opportunity and in some cases results in a free upgrade once all incentives have been factored in.
For example; if you are due to replace your boiler you could take the following approach:
- Apply for the grant (do not start work until your voucher application has been approved)
- Get competitive quotes (work has to be done by a certified Green Homes Grant installer and in some cases also have to be MCS certified)
- Replace the boiler with an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) – approximate cost £12,000
- Pay with Green Homes Grant vouchers – government contribution £5,000
- Apply for RHI grant, this must be done within 12months of your system being commissioned.
- RHI grant of up to £1,000 per year (over seven years) – government contribution £7,000
The above example shows that it is possible to have a net zero cost after seven years but with the benefit of lower energy costs from the point of installation and into the future. Do note that there may be other costs involved along the way e.g. getting an up to date Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for your home.
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