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The Government’s Green Homes Grant Scheme – A Guide for Homeowners

Free money, a warmer home and cheaper bills – almost sounds too good to be true. However, as of 30th September 2020 until 31st March 2021, the government’s Green Homes Grant Scheme will enable homeowners to enjoy these benefits, all the while adding value to their homes, reducing carbon emissions and creating thousands of jobs for tradespeople.

This green government scheme has caused some confusion so here we hope to answer all your questions and queries.

What is the Green Homes Grant Scheme?

The Green Homes Grant Scheme allows homeowners and landlords to apply for a voucher from the government towards the cost of qualifying energy efficiency and low carbon heating improvements to homes. The voucher will cover two thirds of this cost up to £5,000 or, for households on low incomes or receiving certain benefits, 100% of the cost up to £10,000.

What energy saving improvements are included in the scheme?

Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as picking the improvement that you’re interested in. You need to install or ‘top up’ (not replace) at least one of the following ‘primary’ measures:

Insulation

  • solid wall insulation (internal or external)
  • cavity wall insulation
  • under-floor insulation (solid floor, suspended floor)
  • loft insulation
  • flat roof insulation
  • pitched roof insulation
  • room in roof insulation
  • insulating a park home
     

Low carbon heat

  • air source heat pump
  • ground source heat pump
  • solar thermal (liquid filled flat plate or evacuated tube collector)
  • biomass boiler
  • hybrid heat pump

 
After the primary measure(s) has been installed and you have redeemed the vouchers for that measure, you can then get funding up to the same amount for the following ‘secondary’ improvements:

Windows and doors

  • draught proofing
  • double or triple glazing (where replacing single glazing)
  • secondary glazing (in addition to single glazing)
  • energy efficient replacement doors (replacing single glazed or solid doors installed before 2002)


Heating controls and insulation

  • hot water tank thermostat
  • hot water tank insulation
  • heating controls (such as, appliance thermostats, smart heating controls, zone controls, intelligent delayed start thermostat, thermostatic radiator valves)
     

Click here to see the government’s full list of energy saving improvements, and any additional requirements around the measures.

The work must be completed by a TrustMark-registered installer who is also registered for the scheme. You can find a list of certified installers here.

The work must be completed and the vouchers redeemed by 31st March 2021 or you may find yourself liable for the full costs.

Did you know that 40% of UK emissions come from households? Source: Committee on Climate Change

Who is eligible for a Green Homes Grant?

The scheme is available to nearly everyone in England who owns their home, and with £2bn in the kitty, could benefit over 600,000 households.

Click here to check if you’re eligible for the scheme, and also what improvements may be best suited to your home.

There are a few exemptions, such as non-domestic properties, new builds which aren’t yet lived in, and homeowners who are already in receipt of some other grants. The scheme is only available for homeowners living in England, and therefore you cannot apply if you live elsewhere in the UK. For full details, check the government’s website here.

How to apply for a Green Homes Grant?

After you’ve checked your eligibility and what energy saving improvements you can make to your home, you can click here to find certified installers in your area and get a quote. You only need one quote to apply for a voucher but it is recommended that you obtain three quotes. You can then apply for the Green Homes Grant on the government website by clicking here.

How can NYEs Building Supplies help you?

Whether you’re making home improvements or working in the construction trade, we can help.

We stock a wide range of insulation, building and plumbing materials and accessories ready for collection at our Kingsfold depot, or let us deliver to you at your convenience. Be sure to click the links in the menu to find what you need, or contact us for more information.

If you’re not eligible or don’t wish to claim under the scheme, there are a number of measures you can take to help to improve the energy efficiency of your home and save money on your energy bills. Why not start with our guide to insulation?

Find out what the Green Homes Grant means for you if you're in the trade.