Do Government Grants Cover Insulation?

Spray Foam News

Many innocent people can get trapped in the cycle of fuel poverty. Poor home insulation in the UK can lead to higher fuel bills, which reduces the ability to afford decent energy saving insulation. This can affect many people across the UK.

Good insulation is as important as having good skin, it can protect against the weather, stopping moisture and mould, it can trap in heat, keeping the house warmer for cheaper, and it can even help sound proof your home. Certain types of wall and loft insulation are greener than others.

The UK government has created certain schemes and grants that can assist others in purchasing the insulation they need, helping both the less fortunate as well as the planet. The main grant out there that can assist you is the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) government energy efficiency scheme aimed to tackle fuel poverty and help reduce carbon emissions.

Your current insulation situation will also be considered for government grants. If you don’t have insulation or if you do but it is less than 100mm thick you should be able to qualify for some government schemes. They will often assess homes eligible for cavity wall insulation, which is the ideal environment for Icynene® spray foam insulation.

This article will explain more about who is eligible and how to apply. If you are eligible for a grant, get in touch with the friendly team at Mass Foam Systems for a quote for Icynene® spray foam insulation. You can call 0800 246 5051 or request a call-back.

Who is eligible for grants for insulation?

The Government led Energy Company Obligation Scheme (ECO) aims to help families who are on low incomes and in receipt of benefits. Its aimed at reducing their energy bills for those in society who need it most as well as reducing the carbon footprint of the UK. If you belong to one the following groups, you should be entitled to either discounts or a full grant:

• Armed Forces Independence Payment
• Attendance Allowance
• Carer’s Allowance
• Child Benefit
• Constant Attendance Allowance
• Disability Living Allowance
• Pension Guarantee Credit
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income Support
• Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
• Mobility Supplement
• Personal Independence Payment
• Severe Disablement Allowance
• Tax Credits (Child Tax Credits and Working Tax Credits)
• Universal Credit

In addition to those groups, if you are living in social housing with an EPC rating of D, E, F or G you might also be eligible. If you are living in any house with those EPC ratings, the cost of spray foam insulation in the UK could easily be surpassed by your energy saving in a few years.

Where can additional insulation be installed?

A huge amount of homes that were built after the 1940’s have cavity walls (two walls with nothing but air in between them). For cavity wall insulation, Icynene® spray foam is worth the cost.  There are no Icynene® insulation dangers as often cited on the internet. Cavity wall insulation is safe, it does not cause damp and is very environmentally friendly. Icynene® insulation in the UK is made up of recycled materials, is fire resistant and fully seals walls and roofs.

Lofts are also eligible for many schemes. Considerable heat is lost through a lack of loft insulation and spray foam insulation can really help you reduce those heating costs.

Underfloor insulation does not seem to be included in the schemes at first glance, but it is worth asking when you apply, Mass Foam Systems can provide excellent underfloor spray foam insulation, with a mass of energy saving benefits.

Why do these schemes exist?

Cold homes can cause mould, health problems and can even be fatal. Experts at the World Health Organisation say up to half of excess winter deaths are caused by cold homes and poor insulation. Insufficient insulation also directly impacts the amount of energy needed to heat your home, as more heat is lost through the walls. This not only costs you and the government, but costs the planet valuable non-renewable resources.

Therefore, the government has taken some action to try and save citizens as well as the planet. All the big energy companies like British Gas, EDF, E.ON, Npower and Scottish Power are required by the government to help you save money on your heating if you meet the scheme criteria.

It is also vitally important that if cavity wall or loft insulation is installed, then it installed correctly by a professional. Badly fitted insulation can lead to heat escaping, access for vermin, or worse, mould. Mould can lead to damp and then rot and eventually a very hefty cost for the homeowner.

This is where Mass Foam Systems should be your first port of call. We can provide spray foam insulation installations that can allow you to receive the full advantages of open cell spray foam. Being 99% air, green and energy efficient, Mass Foam Systems is certain Icynene® spray foam insulation is the solution for you.

How can I access these grants?

The first thing to do is check your eligibility, you should see if you belong to any of the groups previously mentioned. If you think you might be, a quick google search will lead you to many schemes and agencies that will help you apply for the grants step by step.

The next step is to talk to Mass Foam Systems, where we can provide you with an instant quote that you can pass on to the grant scheme. We specialise in Icynene®, an open cell spray foam insulation that can be applied in hours. Depending on the scheme you could be eligible to reduce the full cost, or a certain percentage.

Icynene® spray foam insulation reduces energy consumption and makes buildings more sustainable; to make a healthier, more energy-efficient home.

If you would like to lower your energy bill, increase the value of your home and save the planet, then get in touch with the friendly team at Mass Foam Systems today. You can call 0800 246 5051 or request a call back.

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