Here at Green Deal First, we discuss the benefits of applying for ECO funding lots but never what measures your client can actually get funded. Below we have discussed some of the common uses for ECO funding and the benefits of these changes for the environment.
Boiler Replacement
One of the most common ECO measures that are installed in recipients’ homes are gas boiler replacements. Over time, gas boilers become less efficient and struggle to heat your home properly. As a result of this, your home energy use will become higher, resulting in higher bills. In fact, making the switch to an A-rated boiler could result in your clients home saving up to £350 in bills and 1,500kg of carbon dioxide every year!
New Insulation
Heat is lost around the home at various points and in various quantities. An ECO grant is commonly used to fund improving insulation measures at various points in the home. This typically includes cavity wall insulation, under floor insulation, loft insulation and solid wall insulation.
Cavity wall insulation is one of the cheapest energy saving measures you can install. It works by inserting an insulating material between the inner and outer walls of the home (in the wall cavities!). Installing this measure has been known to save home owners up to £200 on their energy bills. It pays for itself within two years.
Under floor and loft insulation are pretty self explanatory. Under floor insulation goes under your floor and loft insulation in the loft. Homes that aren’t properly insulated lose a quarter of their heat through the roof, but with proper loft insulation this number is reduced significantly. Around 15% of a home’s heat is lost through the floor. Installing this measure is said to reduce your carbon footprint by 240kg per year!
Almost half of your home’s heat escapes through the walls. Installing solid wall insulation will not only serve to prevent dramatic heat loss in the winter, but also has the added benefit of saving you money on energy bills. Not only that, but potential buyers will be more interested in your home should you decide to sell, as a house that is thermally-efficient is very attractive to buyers.
Other heating measures
Your clients could stand to benefit from installing boiler controls and thermostats in their home. Installing boiler controls means that your boiler will use less fuel and therefore less energy. This ultimately serves to reduce the emissions produced in that household, as the boiler has been optimised. When a home has a programmable thermostat, it becomes more energy efficient throughout all seasons. The client would be able to use their resources more effectively and preserve their systems better.
Hopefully the above advice has given you just a few examples of exactly what ECO funding can achieve. If you want any assistance applying for eco funding, get in touch with Green Deal First today!