New energy efficiency grants for homes not heated by mains gas

Eligible households not heated by mains gas in York are being given free energy-efficiency boosts by the Council for greater comfort, lower bills and less carbon output.

During this month of environmental action in York (14 September-12 October), residents are being urged to check their eligibility and grab a grant for measures suitable for their home.

The grants are for up to 60 households which are owned or privately rented. They offer energy-efficiency measures suitable for homes ranging from insulation upgrades to modern low-carbon heating systems or even photovoltaic panels. Eligible homeowners can get 100% grants and eligible private landlords can get 66% grants.

Eligible homes must:

• have a total household annual income of £36,000 or less, or live in specific areas
• be heated primarily by non-gas fuel such as oil, liquid petroleum gas (LPG), coal, solid fuels or electricity
• have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or lower.

If the household is eligible and the home is suitable, the grant can be used for one or a number of improvements. These could include:

• Wall, loft and floor insulation
• New, efficient low-carbon heating system
• Solar photovoltaic (PV) which generate free electricity
• High heat-retaining electric storage heaters.

Sixteen postcodes in York have been identified where residents can automatically qualify for the grant if their home isn’t heated mainly by gas and has an EPC rating of D or below. Residents can see if they live in a pre-qualified area using an interactive map at www.york.gov.uk/HUG - simply add the address or postcode in the search bar to find out.

Residents living outside those postcodes in a home with an EPC rating of D or below and isn’t heated mainly by gas, will be eligible only if their household income is £36,000 or less.

If a home’s EPC rating is unknown, please contact the Council’s delivery partner, Clear Climate, to discuss an assessment as part of your application.

Steve Coupland, a resident of Stockton on the Forest, applied and qualified for a grant for his bungalow. For the council, contractor Clear Climate assessed his home and installed 300 millimetre-thick loft insulation, and a low-carbon heating system via an air source heat pump (ASHP) which is about three times more efficient than LPG, oil, electricity and gas boilers.

The ASHP now provides him with hot water for a new central heating system and six new radiators, the system can be controlled by a phone app or a control panel. He has access to instant hot water throughout his home fed by his new accompanying insulated hot water tank.

Steve said: “The loft insulation has made a vast difference already: it’s 300mm deep now which is really warm so I’ve not needed to switch on my new heating yet. The installation was a fantastic job: clean and tidy and they were in and out in three days.

“Last winter was a bit grim, but this year I’m hoping the insulation and heating system will halve my bills at least.”

Cllr Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member for Housing, said: “Don’t wait to get your grant! The improvements will help your home stay cooler in summer and warmer in winter, while saving on carbon emissions and on your energy bills. They’re designed not to be too disruptive to install - and you’ll certainly feel the difference when they’re in.

“If you’re eligible, please take up this terrific offer to benefit you and future generations who live in your home!”

Cllr Jenny Kent, Executive Member for Environment, said: “Every house is different and the solution for your home will be tailor-made to ensure that it is more comfortable and cheaper to run. We look at each house construction and where it needs insulation to stop heat escaping. Then we check if it’s suitable for electricity generating panels and/or identify the most effective form of low-energy heating with the lowest carbon impact.

“60 upgrades are on offer and we want them all to be used; check if you qualify and get in touch with the team.”

City of York Council is writing to eligible residents and is working with contractor Clear Climate to deliver this project, and who are visiting pre-qualified postcodes.

Other funding is being used by the Council to improve energy efficiency in council homes.

To find out if you and your home are eligible and to see the pre-qualifying postcodes, please visit  www.york.gov.uk/HUG or contact Clear Climate by calling 0191 710 2550, texting 0786 090 7354 or emailing sales@clearclimate.co.uk.