Are there any gas central heating grants for working people?

shjo558

Hi,

Both myself and husband work fulltime and don't claim any benefits. We own our flat which currently has electric storage heaters which are just too expensive to use so we effectively have no central heating.

We do have a gas fire in the living room which is the only source of heating that we use.

I would love to instal a full central heating system however our low income levels mean it's hard to save up the thousands of pounds needed after paying our monthly bills.

Does anyone know of any grants being offered for working people who are non-pensioner age and not receiving any benefits?

Thanks

CharlieBilly

Are you in Scotland by chance

I know in England there isnt any even if you are on benefits doesnt automatically qualify you as its only certain beenfits and its subject to being assessed and or if any money is left this year

I think there is a warm front for Scotland

CharlieBilly

search for grants on here

http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland/Scotland-Welcome-page/At-Home/Grants-and-offers

shjo558

Thanks, I'll go for a look and yes we're in Scotland:D.

CharlieBilly

Just a thought and yes its nice having ghc but some of us are getting to stage we cant afford to run it my energy bills have gone up 20% or more despite using same amount as last year. I love a gas fire in living room so I can not have ghc on unless its really cold. Make sure you look for insulation too it helps keep heat in

shjo558

Very true, can just imagine getting the whole thing installed and then being dubious about using it!

We attempted to sell our flat about 18 months ago and the home report gave us a really good mark for insullation so we're fine on that front.

(Just to finish the story we took it off the market again earlier this year and by no coincidence it was when our downstairs neighbour from hell moved out, new neighbour is a lovely bloke although things can get a bit noisy in the bedroom when his gf stays over:o)

We have owned it for 5 years now and are slowly doing it up. So far in that time we have installed a new kitchen and bathroom so it's now onto the next project of heating and I can't see any grants so we'll be paying for the full thing.

welshbookworm

Found this -
don't know if its any help
https://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland/Scotland-Welcome-page/At-Home/Home-Energy-Scotland/Energy-Assistance-Package/What-is-offered-and-who-is-eligible

MoneySavingMole

Have you had ANY quotes yet? You might be surprised!

Get a range of quotes, at least 3.
Consider going with a reputable national company, and 2 local registered family outfits.

You will require everything, obviously, but consider the following when making your final decision;

What do you WANT from your system?
Are you heavy hot water users? Do you imagine your heating will never be off?

How much (realistically) can you AFFORD?
Too many people think £1500 will get them an all-singing, all-dancing system. Sometimes its more likely to be around £3000.

How BOTHERED are you about which boiler it is, how intelligent your controls are etc. etc.?
Its a mixed bag with people. Personally, I like to buy well and make it last, spending £300 on a Berghaus is to some people ludacris, to me, its an investment. Relate it to your Boiler & Radiators.
The 'leading' manufacturers in the UK seem to be WorcesterBosch, Vaillant & Potterton (in no particular order) and WB&Vaillant offer some very intelligent 'gadgets' to accomodate your system & effectively reduce your gas bills. (Research 'Weather Compensation')
Other, reputable brands are the likes of Baxi and Main (Part of the Potterton group), Glow-worm and Alpha. They don't necessarily offer intelligent controls, but you can always accomodate for this with the likes of a Honeywell control etc.

There is always the Solar Thermal option aswell... Costly investment. But sometimes, worthwhile.

With regards to Radiators (and Pipework, Fittings etc.) STELRAD are the leading brand, but there are some good radiators on the market which are as good, but cheaper. Again, I have installed Stelrad in my home, as I can appreciate their worth. For yourself, it may simply be a radiator.

I do, however, strongly recomend you purchase Thermostatic Radiator Valves throughout the property, bar 1 of the radiators, which should be controlled by the Room Thermostat/Weather Compensator etc.

They will reduce your bills, and allow you to be more in control of your system. I also believe they are now mandatory, BuildingRegsPartL?

shjo558

Hi,

Yes I've had one quote for a reputable large company for about £5,000:eek:. Just waiting on a quote from local sole trader type plumber coming through too.

Either way, looks like I'll be paying the full thing myself as no grants seems to be available.