Have you been thinking about how to make your home more energy efficient? Has the cost been putting you off? Fortunately, the UK government and many local authorities offer grants for heating. These are to help households improve their energy efficiency and reduce heating costs. Plus there are also environmental benefits to using less energy, as it reduces your carbon footprint.
Most of these heating grants are targeted at low-income households - exactly the kind of homes that may struggle with these costs. But that’s not always the case. So who exactly is eligible for these grants and what are the criteria?
Here, we look at some of the grants that are out there, who they are aimed at, and how to find out if you’re eligible. We’ll also talk about how to spot and avoid any scammers, so you know that you’re getting the real deal.
What heating grants are available?
There are often government heating grants available in the UK. Some for English - or sometimes Welsh - homes, but Scotland also has its own offerings. In addition, there are many local authorities offering financial help.
The current grant for England and Wales is:
So let’s take a look at who exactly is eligible for this grant.
Are you eligible for a heating grant?
BUS.
BUS is for English and Welsh households looking to replace their old fossil fuel heating systems with a low carbon heating alternative, like a heat pump.
To qualify, you must own the property, have a valid EPC certificate for it and be replacing an existing fossil fuel system (like a gas boiler for example). If you do qualify, you’ll get £7,500 off an air source or ground source heat pump, or £5,000 off a biomass boiler. It may not cover the entire cost, but it’s a significant contribution.
One point about BUS is that you do not apply for the grant yourself. You have to find an MCS-approved installer, who applies for you and then deducts the value of the grant from your invoice. You can always look up an approved installer on the MCS website but double check that you’re dealing with a genuine installer (more on this later).
How to spot energy grant scams.
Unfortunately, energy grant scams are on the rise, especially with the current energy crisis. Scammers try to take advantage of people's worries about rising costs and the desire to make their homes more energy-efficient. Here are signs that should make you wary.
Who made first contact?
Legitimate grant providers will rarely contact you out of the blue. Be on your guard if someone does.
Pressure to make a quick decision.
Scammers will often tell you that an offer is available for a limited time, to force you to buy. Never rush. The (legitimate) schemes we’ve talked about have been around for a few years and aren’t going anywhere for a few more. Only agree to pay once you are sure that it’s what you want - and they can provide you with it.
If it sounds too good to be true…
…then it probably is. Government and local authority grants come with eligibility criteria. If it looks like they’re practically giving it away, or you know you don’t usually qualify for these kinds of grants, then double check. The same with “guaranteed” approvals. Government grants are given after assessing your circumstances, not before.
Handing money or information up front.
These days, many of us are aware of how our personal data can be used against us. Still, never give out information such as bank details, NI numbers, or any passwords.
How to protect yourself against scammers.
Protecting yourself from scams is about being careful and informed. Never share personal details or hand over money to someone you don’t fully trust and haven’t double-checked. If you’re offered an energy grant, take a moment to do your research. Go online and look up the provider, or contact the relevant government department directly and check.
You should be especially wary of unexpected offers that come out of the blue. Scammers often reach out unsolicited. If it feels wrong, trust your instincts and report any suspicious activity. Most importantly, if you’re ever unsure about an energy grant offer, get advice from a trusted source like Citizens Advice or your local council before you make any decisions or part with any money.
Ready to apply?
We hope we have shown you that there are UK heating grants available to help UK homes like yours become more energy-efficient and save money on bills. So don't let the costs of an upgrade leave you out in the cold. Take a look at the options we’ve outlined here and then take that first step towards a warmer, more affordable and carbon neutral home today.