In January 2013 the Government launched the Green Deal to encourage homeowners to make their houses more energy efficient with the incentive of receiving money back after the improvements had been made. At the end of its first year, however, the scheme proved less successful than ministers had hoped due to numerous administrative errors and poor financing.
Since then, the Green Deal has been revamped and much improved to provide a better service for new buyers as well as long-time owners. A total of 1000 can be repaid if you install any two of a possible twelve improvements, including double-glazing, replacement storage heaters, and a condensing gas boiler. Also, you could be refunded 75%,up to 6000, of the cost of installing solid wall insulation.
The first step to see if your home qualifies is to book an appointment with a Green Deal assessor or provider. After your home has been assessed you will be told how much energy you and any other occupants are using, suggestions on howto reduce the energy usage, and whether the improvements available through the scheme will pay for themselves in the long term. As an added bonus, you can claim back up to 100 towards the cost of the assessment provided that you goon to implement the energy-saving features.
One way to pay for the improvements recommended in your assessment is through the Green Deal finance plan. Simply show your assessment certificate to one of the approved providers and they will find an installer to carry out the work. They will also tell you how much you will have to pay back and for how long. While the finance plan is a great option, be wary that the interest rate is not fixed and is dependent on the cost of your plan. Your provider will tell you the rates and fees applicable.
If you are moving into a property that has been made more energy-efficient through the Green Deal, your landlord or seller should show you the Energy Performance Certificate given to them by the assessor, and how much you will have to repay.
Check out the Green Deal website to find out more.
To learn more about how you can make your house energy-efficient click here.
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