Eco Residential - Offering free cavity wall insulation?

JoeA81

Hello,

Had a knock at the door from a young guy saying that I could get free loft and cavity wall insulation through the government's CERT program (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_Emission_Reduction_Target). He was from a company called Eco Residential (http://www.eco-residential.co.uk/).

I told him that I'd already got free loft insulation through EDF last year and that when the assessor came round he told us that we couldn't have cavity wall insulation due to the fact that our 1930's terraced house has a small pitched roof jutting out just above the ground floor, meaning that they couldn't get their scaffolding towers right up to the walls on the first floor, and that as the roof had ceramic rather than concrete tiles, health and safety meant they weren't allowed to step on the roof to get to the 1st floor walls. And this means that less than 75% of the walls would be insulated, which was the minimum required to get it done for free.

Anyway I told the bloke all this, and he said "no no that wont be a problem", so I let him drill a hole in the wall at the back of the house and stick in a camera to prove that there wasn't any insulation between the cavity... and it seems like we are now signed up to get free cavity wall insulation sometime in the next few weeks.

I wanted to ask if anyone else had had dealings with this company? Initially I wanted to do some research into it, but the guy was insistent that I has to sign up there and then, as he wouldn't be visiting this area again - which normally rings alarm bells.

I do have a form to cancel all this if I so wish, but it does seem to be legit, and will cost me nothing.

Anyone seen this company before?

And also, I have heard mixed reviews about the suitability of cavity wall insulation in older houses (damp and mold problems created where there were none before, etc) so does anyone have any advice about this too?

Many thanks,

Furts

My understanding is all the free offers have been replaced by the Green Deal. Your installation makes me suspicious. Do your research and check them out.

jasoneco

Hi Joe

I am the MD of ECO residential so I would hope I can answer your queries.

CERT funding has finished and there are no further measures available on that scheme. However, we are still providing free loft insulation, cavity insulation and boiler replacement to those who qualify under the new Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme. Details of this scheme can be found on OFGEMS website.

For cavity wall insulation, everyone will qualify if there is a cavity measuring between 40mm and 49mm in your external wall. If this is the case, you will also be entitled to loft insulation free of charge. This size of cavity is known as "Hard to Treat" and falls under the CERO element of ECO

If your cavity is wider than this, you may still be entitled to free in sulation if you are -

1) In the "Affordable Warmth" category.
2) If your home falls into one of the "CSCO" areas.

ECO funding operates independently of Green Deal, although it is envisaged that both will work in tandem in the near future to make the more expensive energy efficiency measures, such as external wall insulation for example, more accessable to all.

If I have not explained this quite complex funding mechanism well enough, or if you have any further questions, please feel free to get in contact on our free phone number and ask for myself directly.

Regards

Jason

JoeA81

Hello Jason,

It's not often you come on a forum like this asking about a company and get the MD replying to your message, so thank you. I now understand how the funding works and where it has come from.

I now just need to do the research into the realities of cavity wall insulation. A cursory internet search reveals a wide range of opinions and outcomes, both positive and negative.

Thanks,

paddyp

Hi Jason,

I have also had some gentlemen visit my property offering the cavity insulation. They were identifiable by their company badges which bore the name Elysium.

Are they representing your company? They did say they were associated with you.

Regards
Paul

jasoneco

Hi Paul,

We work with a lead generation company in Liverpool called Elysium. If you have been approached in the Merseyside/ Greater Manchester region then this will have been genuine. If it was another area then please get in contact to verify.

Regards

Jason

Kanel

I am always suspicious when people knock on my door, so I googled to find out more and this thread came up.

Does anybody know if they are currently canvassing in London?

Kanel

shays_mum

Hi Jason,
I applied for free British Gas insulation on the grounds of my postcode, after 5 different yes/no decisions on the same day, i am still awaiting a call from the insulation's manager Aaron Holdgate 07979-566-906. Left so many messages to sort this, how rude are you Mr Holdgate!!

When your boys are in London, please come to mine, my loft is being converted & i am building a new side extension, could do with some insulation please!.

Thanks

jasoneco

Kanel and Shays_mum,

We do have a number of teams operating in the Greater London area. If you wish to verify their identity, please contact us on either 08081471874 (freephone) or 01215231010.

Regards

Jason

edinburghmatt

This company is, in my opinion, NOT to be trusted They were operating in Scotland in 2012 and in our area of Fife, although they signed up many residents, no one that I have spoken to has received any insulation.

I have chased them every 4 weeks since November 2012 for an update and every time it is a different excuse. They claim lack of service providers, lack of materials, difficulty in supply of materials to Scotland - well we are a long way from Birmingham after all and the wheel is a recent introduction here.

It is difficult to obtain confirmation but it appears they are claiming money from the government but not completing the work. This may also affect your ability to have any future insulation work done under any government scheme.

I would seriously suggest you do NOT use ECO Residential

macman

jasoneco, if you wish to post on here as an official Company Rep then you need to first be approved by mse to do so, and comply with the necessary requirements. See the forum rules for further details.