How to Make the Most of the Green Homes Grant
Want to reduce your energy bills and your home’s carbon output? A government grant for homeowners in England could help
The UK government is offering homeowners in England a grant towards the cost of insulating, heating and draught-proofing their homes. Read on for an explanation of how to claim the grant and what you can use it for, as well as a few tips on how to get the most from the voucher.
What kind of improvements are covered by the grant?
The government’s website lists a number of eligible measures, which are split into two groups – primary and secondary.
The voucher must be used to install at least one of the primary measures. These include various types of insulation, such as solid wall, cavity wall, underfloor, loft and flat roof insulation.
“A well-insulated home, as a measure on its own, can be hugely beneficial to reducing your home’s energy needs,” architect James Hampton of New Makers Bureau says. “Traditionally, so much of a home’s heat is lost through the building fabric.”
James also advises you look into draught-proofing, which is covered in the secondary measures (more of which shortly). “Part of the benefit of the insulation is that it also helps to prevent draughts, but to really get the most out of the insulation, some high-quality draught-proofing will also help,” he says.
The government’s website lists a number of eligible measures, which are split into two groups – primary and secondary.
The voucher must be used to install at least one of the primary measures. These include various types of insulation, such as solid wall, cavity wall, underfloor, loft and flat roof insulation.
“A well-insulated home, as a measure on its own, can be hugely beneficial to reducing your home’s energy needs,” architect James Hampton of New Makers Bureau says. “Traditionally, so much of a home’s heat is lost through the building fabric.”
James also advises you look into draught-proofing, which is covered in the secondary measures (more of which shortly). “Part of the benefit of the insulation is that it also helps to prevent draughts, but to really get the most out of the insulation, some high-quality draught-proofing will also help,” he says.
The primary measures also include low-carbon heating systems, such as air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps and solar thermal systems.
James recommends you consider insulation before opting for a grant to cover heating. “The heating systems on their own could potentially reduce your energy bills, but unless your home is well insulated and as airtight as possible, any extra heating is quickly lost to the outside air temperature,” he says.
Find out which type of renewable heating system is right for you.
James recommends you consider insulation before opting for a grant to cover heating. “The heating systems on their own could potentially reduce your energy bills, but unless your home is well insulated and as airtight as possible, any extra heating is quickly lost to the outside air temperature,” he says.
Find out which type of renewable heating system is right for you.
What other measures are eligible for a grant?
If you install at least one of the primary measures, you can then use the remainder of the voucher towards the cost of a secondary measure. The amount for this shouldn’t be more than the amount you used for a primary measure. So for example, if you’ve received £2,000 for insulation, you can only claim a maximum of £2,000 towards a secondary measure.
The list of secondary measures includes draught-proofing, energy-efficient glazing and doors, as well as upgrading heating controls and insulating your hot-water tank.
If you install at least one of the primary measures, you can then use the remainder of the voucher towards the cost of a secondary measure. The amount for this shouldn’t be more than the amount you used for a primary measure. So for example, if you’ve received £2,000 for insulation, you can only claim a maximum of £2,000 towards a secondary measure.
The list of secondary measures includes draught-proofing, energy-efficient glazing and doors, as well as upgrading heating controls and insulating your hot-water tank.
How much can I get towards the cost of a project?
You can claim a voucher to cover two-thirds of the cost of the improvements, up to a maximum of £5,000.
You must hire a professional to install your new system, as the grant doesn’t cover DIY projects. The voucher can go towards labour, materials, VAT and any additional works that are necessary for installation.
You can claim a voucher to cover two-thirds of the cost of the improvements, up to a maximum of £5,000.
You must hire a professional to install your new system, as the grant doesn’t cover DIY projects. The voucher can go towards labour, materials, VAT and any additional works that are necessary for installation.
Is the grant the best way to make my home energy efficient?
While the grant is certainly useful, it pays to use it as part of a whole home project.
“To really make the most of the grant, you need to look at your home in a holistic way,” James says. “Consider air tightness, ventilation, insulation and the energy performance of the home, as well as measures such as triple glazing and the design and orientation of any new extensions to the building.
“Only through a holistic approach will you be able to understand how all of these elements will work together,” he says, “as often, the total can be much greater than the sum of the parts.”
You can find more information about the Green Homes Grant on the government’s website.
Discover how to retrofit ventilation in your home.
Tell us…
Are you considering applying for a Green Homes Grant? What other measures are you planning to reduce your energy bills? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
While the grant is certainly useful, it pays to use it as part of a whole home project.
“To really make the most of the grant, you need to look at your home in a holistic way,” James says. “Consider air tightness, ventilation, insulation and the energy performance of the home, as well as measures such as triple glazing and the design and orientation of any new extensions to the building.
“Only through a holistic approach will you be able to understand how all of these elements will work together,” he says, “as often, the total can be much greater than the sum of the parts.”
You can find more information about the Green Homes Grant on the government’s website.
Discover how to retrofit ventilation in your home.
Tell us…
Are you considering applying for a Green Homes Grant? What other measures are you planning to reduce your energy bills? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
It’s a grant that homeowners in England can claim towards the cost of making their homes more energy-efficient.
The voucher covers energy improvements such as insulation and heating. Homeowners must redeem the voucher and complete the improvements by 31 March 2022.
Need help to make your home more energy efficient? Find a local professional and read client reviews.