Energy efficiency has become an essential topic for homeowners, particularly in the face of rising energy costs. Many property owners, including landlords, are looking for ways to reduce energy bills while simultaneously improving the environmental footprint of their homes. If you’re wondering how to make your home more energy-efficient, there are various government schemes available that can help. Here, we will explore these programs and offer easy tips to make your home more energy-efficient.
What You Need to Know About Energy Efficiency
As living costs soar, making your home more energy-efficient not only helps you save money but also adds value to your property. This is a concern that many homeowners and landlords are facing. Our estate agents in Newham emphasize the importance of understanding energy efficiency standards, as this knowledge can directly impact both energy bills and property value.
What you can find in this article:
Current Standards for Energy Efficiency
According to the current Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), rental properties are required to have an energy efficiency rating of E or above. While this standard is currently low, our estate agents in Newham believe that the bar will likely be raised in the future, especially for landlords. Therefore, property owners need to act now to stay ahead of regulatory changes.
In addition to legal obligations, improving the energy efficiency of your home can also reduce energy costs, which is something that all homeowners and tenants can benefit from. By making your home energy-efficient, you’ll not only lower your energy bills but also reduce your carbon footprint, contributing to a more sustainable environment.
Available Government Grants and Schemes
While upgrading your home’s energy efficiency may seem like a significant investment, several government grants and schemes can make the process more affordable. These programs are designed to help property owners and landlords make improvements without breaking the bank. Here are some schemes that can help you make your property more energy-efficient:
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
An energy-efficient boiler can drastically reduce your heating and hot water costs. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) offers grants of up to £5,000 to help property owners replace old, inefficient fossil fuel boilers with low-carbon options like air source heat pumps or biomass boilers. For ground source heat pumps, the grant can go up to £6,000.
This scheme is available to property owners, private landlords, and second-home owners in England and Wales until 2025. To benefit from this grant, you’ll need to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for your property, and your installer must apply for the grant on your behalf.
Energy Company Obligation Scheme
Another great scheme available to homeowners and renters is the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) Scheme. This scheme offers loft and cavity wall insulation for free to qualifying households, particularly those with low incomes. Proper insulation, along with an efficient heating system, is one of the best ways to improve energy efficiency and reduce your utility bills.
If you meet the criteria, you could benefit from this scheme and receive funding for insulation and even a new boiler if your current one is broken. By participating in the ECO scheme, you can improve your property’s energy efficiency at no cost.
Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery Scheme
The Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery Scheme provides financial assistance to homeowners who want to improve their homes’ energy efficiency. Through this scheme, property owners can receive grants of up to £10,000 for upgrades like air source heat pumps, solar PVs, and various insulation types.
For households with incomes under £30,000, this scheme covers the full cost of improvements. However, tenants in the privately rented sector can also access this program, though the amount is limited to £5,000, and the landlord is required to contribute to the cost.
If you’re a homeowner or landlord in East London looking to access these grants, our estate agents in Newham can guide you through the process.
Easy Tips for Making Your Home More Energy-Efficient
While government schemes provide significant support, there are also simple steps you can take to make your home more energy-efficient. Some of these tips can be implemented right away and without any additional cost.
1. Seal Gaps and Draughts
One of the quickest and most affordable ways to improve energy efficiency is to seal any gaps or draughts around windows, doors, and other openings. These gaps can cause heat loss, making your heating system work harder and driving up energy costs. Simply using draught excluders, weatherstripping, or sealant can make a noticeable difference.
2. Upgrade to LED Lighting
Replacing old incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs is a simple and cost-effective way to reduce energy consumption. LEDs use less energy and last longer, saving you money on your electricity bills over time.
3. Insulate Your Home
Proper insulation is key to maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature while reducing energy consumption. Insulating your attic, walls, and floors can help keep the warmth inside during winter and outside during summer, reducing the strain on your heating and cooling systems.
4. Install a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat allows you to control your home’s temperature more efficiently. By setting your heating to only come on when needed, you can save energy and reduce heating bills. Many smart thermostats also have apps that let you monitor and adjust your heating remotely.
5. Use Energy-Efficient Appliances
Replacing old appliances with modern, energy-efficient models can significantly reduce your energy consumption. Look for appliances with an Energy Star label, which indicates they meet high-efficiency standards.
Conclusion
Making your home more energy-efficient can provide long-term benefits, from reducing energy bills to improving your property’s market value. With the help of government grants and simple tips for improving energy efficiency, you can make meaningful changes that benefit both your wallet and the environment. If you are looking to make your home more energy-efficient, our estate agents in Newham are available to guide you through the process and help you access the best available grants and schemes.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may qualify for grants like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme or the Energy Company Obligation Scheme if your home meets certain criteria, such as having a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Your income and property type may also play a role in eligibility.
Yes, tenants may be eligible for certain schemes, such as the Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery Scheme, particularly if their landlord agrees to contribute to the improvements.
In most cases, the grants cover the full cost of the energy efficiency improvements. However, some schemes may require the property owner to pay a small contribution, especially in the case of the Green Homes Grant for rental properties.
To apply for a grant, you will typically need to contact an approved installer or organization that can guide you through the application process and submit your request on your behalf.
Yes, improving your home’s energy efficiency can increase its value by making it more attractive to potential buyers, especially those who are focused on sustainability and lower energy costs.
