Grants & Incentives

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Financing, Grants & Incentives for Energy Upgrades

Upgrading your home to be more energy efficient is one of the best ways to cut down on rising energy bills and do your bit for the planet. But let’s be honest – the upfront cost can sometimes feel like a hurdle. The good news? There are plenty of grants, incentives, and financing options available to make your journey to a greener home much more affordable.

At help4homes, we’re here to make things simple. Whether you’re looking for government grants, financing plans, or local support, we’ll guide you through what’s available and how you can benefit.

So whilst the current Government incentives can help some people, they are not available to every household. So that is why we launched The Green Start Fund, which is designed specifically for UK families that would never qualify for Government help, as our way of making sure everyone has a fair chance at upgrading their home with the latest energy saving technologies.

Government Grants & Incentives

The UK government is backing homeowners who want to improve their home’s energy efficiency. Here are some of the key schemes available right now:

Energy Company Obligation (ECO4)ECO4 is a government-backed initiative designed to help low income households improve their home’s energy efficiency – completely free of charge in many cases.
Under this scheme, you could get funding for insulation, a new heating system, or even renewable energy installations like heat pumps.

Who qualifies?
Households receiving certain benefits or living in properties with poor energy efficiency ratings (typically D-G for owner-occupied homes and E-G for private rentals)

What’s covered?
Insulation upgrades, heating system improvements, and some renewable energy solutions.

How to apply:
at help4homes, we can check your eligibility and connect you with an approved installer.
Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)
This scheme, running until 2026, is all about improving home insulation to cut down on wasted energy and lower heating costs.
Who qualifies?
Both low-income and middle-income households may be eligible, especially those in homes with poor insulation.
What’s covered?
Wall, loft, and floor insulation to keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

How to apply:
We can assess your home and help with the application process.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
If you’re thinking about replacing an old gas boiler with a cleaner, greener heating system, this scheme can help. You could receive up to £7,500 towards the cost of installing an air source heat pump, ground source heat pump, or a biomass boiler.

Who qualifies?
Homeowners in England and Wales upgrading from fossil fuel heating systems.

What’s covered?
Heat pumps and biomass boilers.

How to apply:
Your installer will apply on your behalf, and the grant amount is deducted from your installation cost.

Private Grants and Incentives

As mentioned above, due to certain deficiencies in the Government help available we have launched our own scheme to help UK families take control of their energy futures and lower their bills

The Green Start Fund
Based on your homes EPC Rating and certain other criteria, homes that are not qualified for any Government help, can be allocated an amount of cash from this fund that will automatically be taken off of your initial system cost before you receive an initial quote. This is handled directly between ourselves and your recommended installers... so you don’t need to do anything.

For more details visit: greenstart.org.uk

Renewable Energy Incentives

The UK government is backing homeowners who want to improve their home’s energy efficiency. Here are some of the key schemes available right now:

Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
If you install solar panels, you can get paid for the excess electricity you generate and send back to the grid. Energy suppliers offer different rates, so it’s worth shopping around for the best deal.
VAT Reduction on Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades
Certain energy-saving products and installations qualify for a reduced VAT rate (currently 0% until 2027 for eligible improvements). This includes solar panels, heat pumps, and insulation... meaning you save even more on upfront costs.

Local Authority Support

Many councils across the UK provide grants and funding for energy-saving home improvements. These can vary depending on where you live, but often include:

Free or subsidised insulation
Heating system upgrades
Renewable energy grants

It’s worth checking with your local authority to see what support is available in your area. Not sure where to start? We can help point you in the right direction.

Financing Options

If you don’t qualify for a grant but still want to invest in energy-efficient home upgrades, financing options can help spread the cost.

Installer Finance Packages
All of our recommended installers have access to a panel of FCA-approved lenders, meaning you can choose from competitive finance options that suit your budget. This is a key requirement for any installer we partner with, ensuring you get access to trusted financing solutions with fair terms, clear repayment plans, and responsible lending practices. This option allows you to spread the cost of your home energy improvements with confidence.
Green Deal Finance
With Green Deal Finance, you can make energy efficient improvements with no upfront cost, paying back the amount through savings on your energy bills. The idea is that the improvements pay for themselves over time.
Personal Loans for Home Improvements
Many banks and lenders offer low-interest loans specifically for home energy upgrades. These can be a good option if you don’t qualify for government funding but still want to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Mortgage Extensions & Home Improvement Loans
Some mortgage lenders allow you to borrow extra to cover the cost of energy-saving improvements, making it easier to finance bigger upgrades like solar panels or heat pumps.

Need help figuring out your best option? Our team at help4homes is here to guide you.

Smart Charging and Energy Tariffs

Take advantage of off-peak energy tariffs and smart charging features to lower your costs. Many EV chargers can be scheduled to charge when electricity is cheapest... helping you cut costs

Popular EV-friendly tariffs include:

Octopus Go – low overnight rates for cheap charging
OVO Drive – special rates for EV owners
British Gas EV Tariff – discounted charging rates

Why Choose help4homes?

Eligibility Checks
We’ll help you find out which grants and schemes you qualify for
Application AssistanceOur team can guide you through the paperwork and approval process
Expert AdviceWe’ll recommend the best energy-saving upgrades based on your home and budget
Trusted InstallersWe only work with experienced, approved professionals to ensure top quality installations

FAQs: Your Grants & Incentives Questions Answered

Navigating the world of renewable energy and home efficiency can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to make it simple. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions people have about lowering their energy bills, switching to renewables, and making smarter energy choices. Whether you’re curious about solar panels, heat pumps, or simple ways to cut your electricity costs, we’ve got you covered.

By tackling these common questions, we hope to make renewable energy and energy efficiency simple, accessible, and practical for you. If you’d like more advice, check out our blog or speak to one of our experts today!

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