Home energy grants

System

>:(

Well I'm trawling through this world-wide-web, finding it very hard to get information about grants/discounts/etc.

British Gas reckon our boiler can't be fixed if it breaks down again-no parts anymore, but its only 10 years old I think (we just moved in Dec 02).

So I'm currently paying British Gas 20 odd quid a month so that they can repair my "unrepairable" boiler-should it break again-WHICH IT WILL OF COURSE!

Living in Darwen, Blackburn (BB3) there doesn't seem to be anything on offer here. Not on benefits-except Child Benefit (for 22 month baby) and CTC.

Disabled-(nerve damage to right arm, in pain all day, every day, cannot hold a can of pop for more than five minutes, hand does release grip without me realising, baby to look after-hard work!)-but NOT DISABLED ENOUGHT for DLA!

So whats on offer for a young mum and her family? All I want is to get a new boiler and stop British Gas upping my blinking gas bills!!! - note-moving to Scottish Power

Any help?

Sami

Darryl

Finding it hard to find info?

I think the answer to your question might be in the messages above yours on this board...

Darryl.

Fran

Sami -

When did you last apply for DLA? It might be worth applying again. Make sure you get help filling the forms in with a Citizens Advice Bureau or other agency. How long is it since your decision was made? If it is less than a month ago you can appeal the decision. Again, CAB can help with appeals. They will also have local information about what's available in the form of grants/discounts etc.

Beef

I had the Cavity Wall discount and Loft insulation, with interest free credit on the £200 or so to pay.

I was told that to top up the level of loft insulation to say 6 inches would cost almost £100 more than them putting in 12" from scratch. He also told me to get rid of my water tank jackets, and they would put new ones in at no charge.

I paid someone £20 to clear out and dispose of all the tired old insulation and water jackets, and fair enough they put loads of insulation in, tank jackets and pipe lagging.

I only need to heat the house for a couple of hours a day now, instead of the 24/7 before the insulation

ioscorpio

Can you get a grant to have double glazing installed?
I live in Derbyshire.
Can't find anything on the search grantsite

raeble

Phone the 0800 number further up the thread and ask them. It depends on your council/energy efficiency area and your status. I know they don't in my area. I don't think double glazing falls under energy efficiency as such. I know leicester council pays for it under their home improvement grant schemes- every year they pick a certain area that needs grants and they will means test people in those areas. Of course houses in those areas automatically shoot up in price.

shelagh

Hi Beef,
how did you do that ? I am in need of both but have been led to believe that they cost at least triple what you have paid. We are not on benefits and would not qualify if there was any means testing. We have a 4 bed detached house.
Thanks Shelagh.

BrickBazooka

See http://www.heatproject.co.uk

They are insulating the walls and loft for just over £200 - I'm not on any benefits or anything...

Brick

roger_c

Can anyone tell me how much a loft insulation should rougly cost as I have no idea! My flat is pretty big and I had a guy out who quoted over £1,000 so of course I said no as I couldn't afford it!

I think it's a big area but not £1,000 big! I did a rough calc and think the total area is ~1,191 sq foot.

howtosaveenergy

The Energy Saving Trust offers up to £225 in grants for those installing Cavity Wall Insulation (£150 towards cost) and Roof Insulation (£75). These grants are available to all, not just those on benefits. Those on benefits can claim up to 100% of the cost, through the Warmer Homes Schemes throughout the UK.

The total cost of implementing Cavity Wall insulation is normally around £350 - £400 excluding grants for a 3 bed semi, and you should save about £130 to £160 a year. To ensure you are eligible for the grants you need to use a CIGA registered firm.

There is more information on how to install and claim your grants for Cavity Wall Insulation here.