For countless homes in Britain, especially those constructed before the 1920s, energy efficiency remains a significant challenge due to solid walls. Unlike their cavity wall counterparts, solid walls lack a small gap that aids in heat retention. Consequently, they can contribute to a substantial loss of heat, up to 25% of a home’s warmth. The good news? Solutions are readily available, and even better, financial support is accessible through the ECO scheme.
If you are a homeowner or resident in Newton Mearns, you might be eligible for solid wall insulation grants under the ECO scheme. Here’s a quick checklist:
Qualifying benefits: Are you currently receiving Child Tax Credits, Working Tax Credits, Universal Credit, Pension Credits, Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseekers Allowance, Income Support, Child Benefit, or Housing Benefit? If so, you are on the right track to potentially qualify for the grant.
Property Requirements: Ensure your property has an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating of G, F, or E. This rating signifies a need for energy efficiency improvements. Moreover, to qualify for the grant, your property’s EPC score must be boosted by two bands.
By leveraging the ECO Scheme through the Eco-Home Network, you can reap the following benefits:
Free external wall insulation, potentially saving you around £12,000.
Free internal wall insulation, potentially saving you around £8,000.
These figures are based on a typical 3-bedroom, semi-detached house in Great Britain. Over time, these insulation measures can lead to an annual saving of approximately £800 on energy bills.
This method involves attaching insulation material to the walls from the exterior. Following this, a protective layer of render or cladding is applied. Homeowners have a range of finish options—smooth, textured, painted, tiled, and even pebble-dashed. For a brick aesthetic, brick slips can be used. This method can add between 70 and 160mm to the external wall’s depth. A crucial point to remember is that external pipework and fixtures would need to be temporarily removed and then refitted.
Some homeowners may prefer to maintain the external appearance of their property. For them, the internal wall insulation method is an option. This involves installing insulation from the inside using techniques like insulated stud work or rigid insulation boards.
In Newton Mearns, the decision to insulate from the inside or outside is contingent upon your property’s specific characteristics and energy goals. However, under the Eco Scheme, the choice between internal and external insulation is not the sole determining factor for Eligibility. Your Eligibility is primarily influenced by your benefits or the property’s EPC rating.
Enhancing your home’s energy efficiency not only reduces your energy bills but also contributes to a more sustainable future. The ECO Scheme, particularly for residents of Newton Mearns, presents an excellent opportunity to achieve this goal without incurring significant financial strain. Remember, Eco-Home Network is here to guide you through the process. Contact them to learn more about how you can benefit from these grants and improve your home’s energy efficiency.
