19 Mar Clacton resident to save up to £300 on heating bills thanks to fully funded home insulation
Homeowners with a low income and energy efficiency rating are invited to apply for funding to warm their homes for less and tackle climate change through Essex County Council’s Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery scheme, which has now been extended until 30 June 2021.
One homeowner who recently benefited from the scheme is John Davies (72), a retired senior hotel officer and widower who recently had external wall insulation fitted onto his Clacton home.
After a long and decorated career aboard some of the world’s biggest ocean liners, sailing to some of the world’s hottest countries, John and his wife decided to move to Essex 14 years ago to be closer to their two daughters.
Shortly after moving, Mr. Davies was taken aback by how cold his new property was. John explained: “as my house was built in the 1930s, it only had a single skin on the top floor. This meant that it was impossible to retain any heat through the winter.
John continued: “My wife and I would struggle to get warm, and we would sit in the front room with blankets over us. No matter how much we tried, the house would be so cold.”
Fast-forward to 2020 and the introduction of the government’s Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery Scheme. Now living with his beloved dog, John approached Essex County Council to see if he could take advantage of the funding on offer.
Essex County Council’s contractor for the scheme, Aran Insulation, organised for a surveyor to visit John’s property to assess its energy rating and decide on appropriate works. John said: “after letting me know that I was eligible for the scheme, the surveyor explained to me that, because the upper floor of my home had no cavity wall, external wall insulation could be installed to add an extra layer of protection against the elements.”
A minimally disruptive procedure, external wall insulation comprises of an insulation layer fixed to the existing exterior wall of a property, which is finished with a protective render or decorative finish.
Alongside helping a property to retain more warmth, external wall insulation can reduce both heating bills and carbon emissions.
“As the weather is now getting warmer, I haven’t noticed too much change, but the site manager informed me that the insulation could reduce my bills by around £300 a year”, he said.
John continued: “It’s not really about the money for me though, I’m just looking forward to being more comfortable in the winter. It’s also nice to be doing my bit for the environment.”
Now the insulation has been installed and his home’s Energy Efficiency Rating (EPC) certificate has increased from E to D, Mr. Davies is looking forward to repainting his home mid-grey in time for summer when he hopes his daughters and grandchildren will be able to visit him at home.
Sam Kennedy, Director, Environment and Climate Action, said: “It was really pleasing to see Mr. Davies take the steps to futureproof his home ahead of next winter through our Green Homes scheme. In doing so, not only will he have a warmer home and lower bills, but he will also be helping to tackle climate change. I hope Mr. Davies’ story will encourage more homeowners to check their eligibility and reap the myriad of benefits this funding can bring.”
Homeowners with a combined household income below £30,000 and an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E, F or G are invited to check eligibility for the free local authority grant of up to £10,000* to install energy efficiency measures on their homes. The grants, which will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis at no cost to the homeowner, can be used to upgrade heating systems and install insulation.
All works must be completed by June 30th, 2021. Qualifying homeowners are therefore encouraged to contact Aran Insulation, delivery partner for the scheme, as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
To apply for energy efficient measures, visit www.essex.gov.uk/energy-funding or call Aran Insulation on 0800 587 7795 or 01284 812 520.
