What government heating grants are available?

There are range of government heating grants available. Here we give you an overview of some of the ways you can improve the heating in your home.

Internal Wall Insulation

One of the most economic ways to improve the energy efficiency of your home is to insulate the interior walls. This can cut heating costs by as much as 45%. A grant for internal wall insulation can be the ideal option for solid wall homes made from solid stone or brick – the type of properties that usually pre-date the 20th century. There are several options for internal wall insulation. Firstly, in some cases – if the wall is in good condition – you can fix insulation directly to the wall.

The second option is to batten on the wall. Fixing battens to the wall has the advantage of providing a more even fixing for the insulation. Less common is the ‘warm batten’ method. This essentially fixes the battens over the insulation. In the case of very damp walls, the best option may be to construct a new stud wall. Finally – and often the best option on stone walls – you can apply an insulating plaster directly to the wall.

Solar Panels

Solar panels give you electricity all year round and generate clean, emission-free energy. As solar panels have a life span of more than 25 years, they are also a good long-term investment. Not only that, there is also the potential to sell the surplus electricity that is generated by the solar panels.

Air Source Heat Pump

There will be no new gas boilers after 2025 installed in newly-built homes. Legislation has been passed to ensure that alternative heating systems, such as air source heat pumps, are used instead. You can get ahead of the curve now by applying for a grant for an air source heat pump. You may be eligible of you are currently using LPG, Oil or Electric heating and have a EPC rating of E-G for your property. An air source heat pump will reduce your heating bills and your carbon footprint.

Storage Heaters

Electric heaters are designed to store thermal energy during the night, by heating up internal ceramic bricks. This heat is then used when needed during daylight hours to heat the home. A fan is incorporated to evenly distribute heat. Many storage heaters also have programmable heating schedules and thermostatic controls.

Gas Central Heating Systems

Gas central heating is a wet central heating system, where your boiler uses gas as fuel to produce heat. It heats your water, and that heated water is pumped around the radiators. It is the most common heating system in the UK. Around 95% of all properties already have it but if your property is lacking gas central heating, you may be eligible for a grant to have it installed.

Cavity Wall Insulation

Cavity wall insulation is one of the best ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. If your home was built after the 1920s, it is likely to have a cavity wall. Cavity walls are made of two layers with a gap – the cavity – between them. Insulating the cavity between the exterior and interior wall adds a barrier which stops heat from escaping and the cold from coming in.

Room in the Roof Insulation

Room in the roof insulation is when insulation boarding is fitted between the rafters underneath the existing plasterboard walls. It traps the heat within your home, creating a blanket effect. Energy bills are reduced as you’ll need to spend less as your property will stay warm for longer.

You can be sure that at least one of the above types of heating and energy will be suitable for your home. Check to see if you are eligible for a grant.