If you’re a homeowner or tenant in the UK, you may qualify for a government-backed grant to cover the cost of cavity wall insulation. This energy-saving improvement can drastically reduce your energy bills while helping the environment. Here’s everything you need to know about cavity wall insulation grants, the schemes available, and whether you qualify.
Cavity wall insulation is a simple but effective method of improving your home’s energy efficiency. Most properties built after 1920 have a gap between the inner and outer layers of the external walls, known as a cavity. By filling this gap with insulation material, you can prevent heat from escaping, keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Lower Energy Bills: With better insulation, your home retains heat more efficiently, reducing the amount of energy required to keep it warm. This can lead to substantial savings on your energy bills.
Increased Comfort: A well-insulated home maintains a more consistent temperature, eliminating drafts and cold spots.
Environmental Benefits: By using less energy, you’ll reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to the fight against climate change.
Increased Property Value: Energy-efficient homes are more attractive to buyers and can lead to an increase in property value.
The Innova Build scheme is part of the UK government’s ongoing commitment to improving energy efficiency in homes. Innova Build stands for Energy Company Obligation, and it requires energy companies to fund home energy improvements for those in lower-income households. One of the key benefits available under this scheme is funding for cavity wall insulation.
At Innova Build, we specialise in helping homeowners and tenants access these grants, ensuring that your property is upgraded at no upfront cost to you. The scheme is designed to help those in need while promoting energy efficiency across the country.
The Great Britain Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is another government-backed initiative aimed at increasing energy efficiency in properties across Great Britain. GBIS focuses on properties with lower Energy Performance Ratings (EPC) of D to G. It also applies to homes in council tax bands A to D in England and A to E in Scotland and Wales.
While Innova Build helps those in lower-income households, GBIS ensures that homes with poorer energy performance ratings are targeted, making it a comprehensive approach to improving energy efficiency across the country.
In addition to the Innova Build and GBIS schemes, the Local Authority FLEX (Flexible Eligibility) route is an option for households who may not qualify for Innova Build through traditional means but are still considered to be living in fuel poverty or vulnerable to the effects of a cold home. Under the FLEX route, Local Authorities can refer eligible private tenure households to energy suppliers and installers for support.
Local Authorities participating in Innova Build FLEX can refer households based on several criteria, including income levels, health conditions, and other specific vulnerabilities.
Here’s an overview of the four routes under the FLEX scheme that may qualify you for support:
FLEX Route 1 – Household Income: If your household has a gross annual income of less than £31,000, you may qualify for assistance, regardless of your property size or region.
FLEX Route 2 – Proxy Targeting: Households meeting specific proxies, such as living in a deprived area, having a child eligible for free school meals, or being supported by an LA-run scheme, could qualify for a grant.
FLEX Route 3 – NHS Referrals: If someone in your household suffers from a severe or long-term health condition that is worsened by living in a cold home, a referral from a health professional could make you eligible.
FLEX Route 4 – Bespoke Targeting: For households identified through alternative means as living in fuel poverty, a supplier or LA can submit a proposal to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero for approval.
It’s important to note that the responsibility for determining which scheme is appropriate for a household falls to the installer. At Innova Build, we can guide you through the process, ensuring that you receive the support you need, whether through Innova Build, GBIS, or the FLEX route.
Not all homes have adequate insulation, and certain indicators suggest your property might benefit from cavity wall insulation. Here are the most common signs:
Addressing these issues with cavity wall insulation not only enhances comfort but also helps you save money and reduce your environmental impact.
Cavity wall insulation is an effective method for improving a property’s energy efficiency by filling the gap between the inner and outer walls of a home. Most homes built after 1920 feature cavity walls, which consist of two layers of brick or block with a gap in between to prevent water penetration. However, this gap also allows significant heat loss, making proper insulation a vital energy-saving solution.
The process involves injecting insulating material, such as mineral wool, polystyrene beads, or foam, into the cavity through small holes drilled in the external walls. The material expands to fill the void, creating a barrier that prevents heat from escaping and cold air from entering. Once the cavity is filled, the holes are sealed, and the external wall is restored to its original appearance.
Modern cavity wall insulation methods are quick and minimally invasive, typically taking just a few hours to complete. The result is a more energy-efficient home, lower heating bills, and a reduced carbon footprint.
You may be eligible for a cavity wall insulation grant under the Innova Build scheme if you receive any of the following benefits:
If you or someone in your household is receiving any of the above benefits, you could qualify for a fully funded cavity wall insulation grant.
If you are applying for the grant based on Child Benefit, there are income thresholds to consider. These thresholds depend on the number of children and whether you’re a single applicant or applying jointly.
| Number of Children | Single Adult | Couple |
|---|---|---|
1 | £19,900 | £27,500 |
2 | £24,800 | £32,300 |
3 | £29,600 | £37,200 |
4 or more | £34,500 | £42,000 |
If your household income is below these limits and you receive Child Benefit, you may be eligible for a grant.
To qualify for the GBIS scheme, your property must:
If your home meets these criteria, you could receive support to improve your energy efficiency through cavity wall insulation and other measures.
At Innova Build, we strive to make the process of securing a cavity wall insulation grant as straightforward as possible. Our team is here to guide you through each step, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect during the application process:
The first step is to fill out our simple online application form. You will need to provide some basic details about yourself, your property, and any benefits you are currently receiving. This information helps us determine your eligibility for either the Innova Build, GBIS, or FLEX scheme.
After submitting your application, a member of our friendly team will reach out to you. We will review your details and confirm your eligibility for a cavity wall insulation grant. If further information is needed, we’ll assist you in providing the necessary documentation.
If you qualify, we’ll arrange for a professional energy assessor to visit your property. The assessor will conduct a thorough inspection to evaluate the condition of your walls, existing insulation (if any), and overall energy efficiency. This ensures that cavity wall insulation is a suitable solution for your home.
Once the assessment is complete, we’ll discuss the cavity wall insulation grant options available to you. Depending on your specific circumstances, you may also be eligible for additional energy-saving measures under the Innova Build, GBIS, or FLEX scheme, such as loft insulation, boiler upgrades, or other improvements. We will explain these options and help you make the best decision for your home.
After agreeing on the best course of action, we will schedule the installation of your new cavity wall insulation. Our qualified installers will complete the work efficiently, ensuring minimal disruption to your home. If you are eligible for any additional home insulation measures, these will be installed at the same time.
Throughout the entire process, our team will be available to answer any questions or concerns you may have, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.
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