GBIS Scheme

The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)

Staying warm in winter shouldn’t break the bank, and for many in the UK, it doesn’t have to. Thanks to initiatives like the ECO4 scheme and the GBIS Scheme, qualifying households can receive free insulation. These programs are designed to enhance energy efficiency, cut down on heating costs, and contribute to a more comfortable home environment.

Do You Qualify for Free Insulation?

You might qualify for the free home insulation grant under the ECO scheme (currently in its fourth phase, ECO4) and GBIS Scheme. This initiative aims to boost energy efficiency in homes across the UK, potentially saving you money on energy bills and making your living environment more comfortable.

The Low Income Group

You might be eligible for several energy-efficient improvements under the ECO4 scheme if:

You own your home or rent privately.
Your home has an EPC rating of D or below (E or below for renters).
Households with a member receiving specific benefits like pension credit, universal credit, and others.
The local council considers you low income (under £31,000/year) and at risk of the effects of a cold home.

What’s on offer extends beyond free insulation. Depending on your situation, you might also have access to:

Boiler repairs, upgrades, or replacements based on your current boiler state.
Free heating control installations.
Replacement or repair of existing electric storage heaters if you own your home.
Potential upgrades for window glazing, draught-proofing, and better-quality external doors for select homes.

It’s an exclusive chance provided through the ECO scheme and not GBIS Scheme, so ensure you’re applying to the correct initiative for what you need. To see if you qualify for the free boiler grant under ECO4, visit the Warmer Homes website.

The General Group

Free insulation might be available to you through the Great British Insulation Scheme if:

You’re a homeowner or tenant (private or housing association).
Your home falls within council tax bands A to D (A to E in Scotland and Wales).
Your home has an EPC rating of D or below.

This program only allows one insulation type per household (e.g., cavity wall OR loft insulation), and some may require co-payment. You’ll be informed about any such costs beforehand.

If the free home insulation grant isn’t applicable to you under either scheme, upgrading your home insulation is still an option through private investment. The Home Energy Guide website connects you with reputable suppliers to streamline the process.

What Free Insulation Can You Get?

Once you apply and qualify for the scheme, either your energy supplier or local authority will assess your home. They’ll recommend the most suitable insulation improvements for your situation. Here are the two most common options:

Loft Insulation: Since up to a quarter of heat escapes through the roof, adding mineral wool under the rafters can dramatically retain warmth.
Cavity Wall Insulation: If your home was built between 1920 and 1990, you might have a gap between internal and external walls. Filling this space can prevent cold air from seeping in and warm air from escaping.

The installation costs can be quite high, with cavity wall insulation running up to £1,800 and loft insulation up to £890. However, the annual savings on energy bills can be substantial, varying between £180 to £690 for cavity wall insulation and £330 to £590 for loft insulation.

The effectiveness of cavity wall insulation vastly depends on your home’s suitability. For installations that hit the mark, the benefits include better energy efficiency and lower costs. However, you must not overlook the potential downside. Incorrectly installed cavity wall insulation or installations in unsuitable properties can lead to significant damp and mould issues.

Here’s a checklist to determine if cavity wall insulation is right for your home:

Your home has unfilled external cavity walls.
The cavity is at least 50mm wide.
The condition of the masonry or brickwork is sound.
Your property was constructed before 1990 (newer homes likely have insulation).

Ensure your installer carries a Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency (CIGA) registration for peace of mind. Also, it doesn’t hurt to seek a second opinion.

While loft and cavity wall insulations are common, other types like solid wall, underfloor, and roof insulation are sometimes available through specific suppliers. Availability will depend on your energy company and the local contracts that are in place.

How Do You Apply for The Free Home Insulation Grant?

Start by checking your eligibility online. It’s direct and fast. You’ll input basics like your energy supplier, homeowner status, address, and council tax band. If you check out, expect a call from your supplier within ten working days to discuss your application and next steps, which include arranging a home survey.

If you haven’t heard back after ten days, give them a nudge. Direct applications to your energy supplier are also an option, though not all suppliers facilitate online processes. Remember, all energy suppliers with over 150,000 customers must offer improvements under the Great British Insulation and ECO schemes. However, slots are limited based on the supplier’s market share.

Once your eligibility is confirmed, an approved installer will visit your home to determine what work is needed to boost your EPC rating. Trustmark accreditation is a must for these professionals. The installer will advise on necessary improvements. To be eligible fully, you must accept all suggested measures.

Facing rejection doesn’t mean the end of the road. The ECO Flex scheme via your local council might be your next step. It’s aimed at combating fuel poverty, offering support based on your home’s EPC rating alongside other criteria such as income level, health status, or your living area. Keep in mind that availability can vary as it’s dependent on your local council’s participation in the ECO Flex scheme.

Can You Pick the Free Insulation You Want?

The best choice isn’t always up to personal preference. An installer’s recommendation is crucial here, grounded in a professional assessment of what will most effectively reduce your energy usage. They conduct a thorough survey of your home, pinpointing which improvements could lead to the maximum energy savings.