You’ve probably heard about the Green Homes Grant scheme recently introduced by the Government.
The scheme can cover two-thirds of the cost of eligible improvements to your home, up to a maximum Government contribution of £5,000. Here’s how it works.
How to apply for the scheme
To take advantage of the scheme, you need to apply for an appropriate voucher by visiting:
https://www.gov.uk/apply-green-homes-grant
Vouchers will be issued from early November 2020, and you’ll receive a separate voucher for each of the measures that you’ve applied to install. Each voucher is only valid for the measure and property you’ve applied for.
You must redeem the voucher and ensure your improvements are completed by 31 March 2021. The voucher will cover the cost of materials, labour and VAT, and the work must be carried out by a TrustMark-registered installer who is registered for the scheme.
Primary and secondary measures
The improvements covered by the scheme are split into primary and secondary measures and your voucher must be used to install at least one primary measure.
Primary measures include:
• Insulation o Solid wall insulation (internal or external) o Cavity wall insulation o Under-floor insulation (solid floor, suspended floor) o Loft insulation o Flat roof insulation o Pitched roof insulation o Room in roof insulation o Insulating a park home
• Low carbon heating measures: o Air source heat pump o Ground source heat pump o Solar thermal (liquid filled flat plate or evacuated tube collector) o Biomass boiler o Hybrid heat pump
When you install at least one primary measure, you can also apply for a voucher to help cover the cost of secondary measures. The cost of the secondary measures can’t exceed the amount of the cost of the primary measure.
Secondary measures include:
• Windows and doors o Draught proofing o Double or triple glazing (where replacing single glazing) o Secondary glazing (in addition to single glazing) o Energy-efficient replacement doors (replacing single glazed or solid doors installed before 2002).
• Heating controls and insulation o Hot water tank thermostat o Hot water tank insulation o Heating controls (such as appliance thermostats, smart heating controls, zone controls, intelligent delayed start thermostat, thermostatic radiator valves)
Replace your old windows and doors
If you’ve taken advantage of the scheme to install a primary measure such as new insulation, you can also apply for a voucher towards the cost of double glazing.
Improvements to windows and doors include the replacement of single glazing with double-glazing and the installation of energy-efficient replacement doors (replacing single glazed or solid doors installed before 2002).
If you’ve still got single glazing in your property, then this is an ideal opportunity to replace it with a more energy-efficient alternative. At Excellent Windows, we can advise you on the most suitable glazing options for your property.
How to redeem your voucher
To redeem a voucher, you need to confirm that the installation was completed satisfactorily, and you’ve received the necessary documents and paid your share of the costs to the installer.
You’ll need to provide a dated copy of the invoice issued by the installer, and when you redeem your voucher, the grant will be paid on your behalf directly to the installer.
Would you like advice on double glazing and the Green Homes Grant Scheme?
Excellent Windows offers free, relaxed home consultations. If you’d like to discuss your home improvement requirements with one of our representatives, we can arrange for them to visit at a time that’s convenient for you.
All our quotations are offered completely free of charge with no obligations.
Call us on 01256 830 079 or email: [email protected]