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Energy-saving tips and green funding for your home

As the wintry weather bites, you’ll inevitably want to turn up the heating at home. But you’ll also want to balance your comfort against the constraints of your budget – energy costs an increasing amount of your hard-earned cash.

We’ve previously offered a few energy-saving tips with fairly quick and simple ideas you can use in our blogs:

But in a bid to help you stay warm while at the same time saving still more of that costly energy, here are a few extra suggestions.

Upgrade your home’s energy efficiency

A wide array of government schemes are available to help in upgrading the energy efficiency of your home. These are brought together under the general umbrella of the Green Deal – which provides repayable loans for the work to be done.

The government website lists a range of improvements potentially eligible for such financial assistance, including:

  • replacement doors and windows;
  • double glazing;
  • energy-efficient lighting;
  • insulation;
  • draught proofing;
  • upgraded heating; and
  • renewable energy (for example, solar energy or wind power).

Smart technology saves money on household bills

Smart technology is transforming homes, helping you cut costs and improve energy efficiency. These systems are designed to prevent energy waste and lower heating bills, especially during colder months.

Energy-saving solutions

  • smart meters monitor energy usage in real time, providing insights into consumption patterns and highlighting opportunities to save money;
  • smart thermostats optimise heating schedules, adjusting temperatures based on occupancy and preferences;
  • smart plugs and lighting further reduce costs by allowing remote control and automation, ensuring appliances and lights are only used when needed.

British Gas have some more energy-saving tips here.

Water-saving innovations

  • smart water meters and leak detection systems monitor usage and identify potential leaks early;
  • water-efficient showerheads and taps also help reduce consumption, lowering water bills without sacrificing performance.

For more water saving tips visit: Waterwise.

How can I fund energy saving improvements?

Faced with the question of balancing the comforts of a warm home against the cost of making energy-efficiency improvements, many homeowners will be asking “how can I fund home improvements?”

While the range of funding sources is surprisingly broad, it can take a while to negotiate the various schemes available. You should also note that schemes may change or be withdrawn, plus may only be available in certain areas of the country or have eligibility requirements.

  • Home Upgrade Grant

In addition to the umbrella coverage of the government’s Green Deal, for example, in England there is the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) for those in housing with a poor energy efficiency rating who do not have a gas-fired boiler.

  • Great British Insulation Scheme

The government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero also runs the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) – a £1 billion scheme that is designed to help as many as 300,000 eligible households (energy efficiency rating of D to G and council tax band A to D) with the cost of home insulation. Introduced in March 2023, the scheme is due to run until March 2026.

One-off payments

At the time of writing, there are two schemes that aim to support those most in need, with a one-off payment, ensuring homes stay warm and affordable in winter.

  • Warm Home Discount Scheme

If you receive a Guarantee Credit as part of your Pension Credit and have high energy costs but a low income, you may also qualify for a one-off discount of £150 paid directly against your next electricity bill. This is yet another government programme called the Warm Home Discount Scheme.

  • Winter Fuel Payment

One of the government’s more controversial decisions for the coming 2024/25 season introduced significant changes to the once-universal winter fuel payment. These energy-saving payments are still available but to be eligible you must now be in receipt of certain welfare benefits and be born before the 23rd of September 1944 to receive the full £300 payment or be born between the 23rd of September 1944 and the 22nd of September 1958 to receive £200.

Can older homes still enjoy energy-saving costs?

Homeowners of older – sometimes those that are listed – buildings often despair about the imagined limits to making energy-saving changes to their homes.

But there is plenty of scope, according to a post by Historic England, that these improvements are perfectly possible even in older homes.

Keeping warm

From smart technology to government-backed schemes, there are potentially many ways to save on energy bills and improve home efficiency. Some can be small, easy-to-do wins, such as installing a Cistern Displacement Device (CDD) in your toilet or switching your energy supplier. While, for the “bigger” jobs (such as upgrading your heating system or getting new windows and doors), you may wish to explore funding opportunities to stay warm, save money, and make your home more sustainable.

The information provided in this document is for general guidance and informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy at the time of publication, energy-saving schemes, funding options, and eligibility criteria are subject to change without notice.

We recommend checking official government websites or consulting with relevant authorities to confirm the latest details and requirements before making any decisions or financial commitments.

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