With the news this year being dominated by stories relating to the rising energy price cap, many families in the UK fear that they will face fuel poverty this winter. Despite various government schemes which provide individuals and families with forms of tax relief such as the £150 council tax rebate, the £400 fuel bill discounts promised to all households in England, Wales and Scotland in October, or widening the eligibility criteria for schemes such as the Warm Home Discount, it is likely that many UK families will have to choose between heating and eating this winter.

We are recommending that consumers use this time before the October price cap increase to look at measures that they can take to draft proof and insulate their homes as well as seeking ways to reduce their energy usage and build up a credit on their energy accounts. Line drying clothes over the summer months instead of using a tumble drier will save up to £85 whilst being sure to switch off lights when you leave a room will save about £20 a year.

Insulation

You can reduce the amount of energy needed to heat your home by up to 35% by installing cavity wall insulation, whilst floor insulation can improve your home’s energy efficiency by up to 20%. In fact, by adding or refreshing these measures as well as installing or refreshing your loft insulation, you can retain as much as 80% of the heat in your home that would otherwise be lost.

Insulating your home will not only save you money on your heating bills but it can also help to reduce condensation from forming which is responsible for many damp and mould issues which can be harmful to health. Installing cavity wall insulation into your home will reduce undesirable heat loss, thus reducing your reliance on other heating systems which will result in better health, a warmer home and a financial saving.

Government Grants

Grants are available under the UK Government’s Energy Companies Obligation Phase 4 (Eco4) scheme to install insulation and we are authorised to seek the funding and carry out the work on your behalf. Being approved for an insulation grant under this scheme will mean that you can have your home professionally insulated ahead of winter at no cost to you. These grants are widely available to homeowners and private tenants on low incomes or who are in receipt of various benefits and whose properties score a D or less on their energy efficiency rating.

The ECO4 grants will fund all forms of property insulation, including external, cavity and internal wall insulation, underfloor and loft insulation so wherever your home insulation is lacking, we can help you to identify the most appropriate remedy or remedies needed and apply for the grant on your behalf. We have participated in every phase of the ECO scheme to date so are very familiar with the rules and eligibility criteria.

It is clear that this winter will be a significant financial challenge for many, but we are keen to help consumers to reduce the impact of the inevitable price rises so if you need any advice on grant eligibility, the energy efficiency measures best suited to your property, or support in applying for a grant, we will be very happy to help you. We welcome enquiries from homeowners, private tenants and social housing tenants, by telephone, email or via the contact form on our website.