Fancy making some worthwhile adjustments to your home this year? Do your bit for both your bank balance and the environment by taking advantage of the grants, schemes, and eco-funding options available to homeowners throughout 2021 that you may not even know you’re eligible for.

In fact, a survey conducted by Viessmann found that over a quarter of people had never heard of any of the government eco grants currently available.

Keen to save some money and make your home more environmentally-friendly? We break down the details of each grant, explain who’s eligible, and show you where to apply.

Image: Pixabay

The Green Homes Grant

A form of financial support for those looking to take energy-saving measures in their homes, the Green Homes Grant allows eligible homeowners to redeem two-thirds of the cost of selected home improvements – up to the value of £5,000 –  from the government.

Vouchers can be redeemed against appropriate energy-saving measures for your home, which have been divided into primary and secondary categories, and covers everything from cavity wall insulation to replacing single for double glazing.

Who’s eligible?

All homeowners are eligible, with most households entitled to a voucher of up to £5,000, which will cover two-thirds of the cost of the work at a maximum. However, if you own your own home, but qualify as a low-income household, you’re eligible for the Government to pay up to the value of £10,000 for home improvements, with no need to contribute yourself.

How do I apply?

Use the  Simple Energy Advice service to find out how you can improve your house’s energy efficiency, and pinpoint the most appropriate improvements you could use the grant for in your home.

The vouchers for the Green Homes Grant can be applied for through the Government’s Green Homes Grant site. The new deadline for the scheme is March 2022, and all vouchers must be issued and all work completed before this deadline.

Read more: How to find a tradesperson for your Green Homes Grant project

Image: Viessman air source heat pump

The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)

Rather than financing the costs of making your home more eco-friendly, consider the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme as more of a retrospective reward for anyone who’s already switched to a form of renewable heating technology – such as solar thermal panels, biomass boilers and heat pumps.

The RHI sees those eligible receive quarterly payments for up to seven years for homes, and 20 years for businesses, with the size of the payment determined by how much heat you have generated sustainably. This can help offset the initial outlay for the installation of these technologies.

Who’s eligible?

Homeowners and private or social landlords in England, Scotland and Wales can claim for the renewable heating costs of biomass boilers, solar water heating, and certain heat pumps. Further joining requirements can be found on the ofgem website.

How do I apply?

To double check your eligibility, and start your application, head to the government’s Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive page. The deadline for domestic RHI is March 2022.

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme

Launched back in 2013 with the aim of making energy suppliers in the UK more responsible for ensuring households are energy efficient, The Energy Company Obligation scheme makes it possible to claim the cost of efficiency measures such as wall insulation or boiler replacement back from your supplier.

Set to run until March 2022, the current scheme is called ECO3, and is focused on households with lower income or who are thought to be living in fuel poverty or vulnerable situations. It’s thought that there are around 6.5million households currently eligible for the scheme.

Who’s eligible?

Any energy supplier with more than 150,000 customers automatically falls under the scheme, so even if you aren’t with one of the big six providers you could still be eligible. However, you can find a list of all those who qualify for ECO on the ofgem website.

How do I apply?

You’ll need to contact your energy provider directly to apply for this scheme.

Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS)

Sure to encourage more of us to give up the petrol in favour of the plug, the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme is part of the OLEV Grant, and provides drivers with a contribution up to £350 towards the cost and installation of a home charging point for an electric vehicle installed after April 12 2020.

Who’s eligible?

To qualify, you must have bought an eligible electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle, or leased one for at least six months. You must have off-street parking and you must install an OLE approved chargepoint. The scheme is currently set to finish in April 2021. To check your eligibility, take a look at the official government guidance.

How do I apply?

You can’t apply directly for an EVHS grant, and must instead approach an EVHS approved installer and request for them to apply for the grant on your behalf.

Are you planning on accessing one of these eco grants? Tweet us @goodhomesmag or post a comment on our Facebook page. 

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