Sealing The Gaps: Maximising Comfort And Savings With The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)

The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is a gateway to a warmer, more energy-efficient home in the UK. One can’t deny the significance of a well-insulated home, both for your comfort and the environment. In this blog, we'll delve into the ins and outs of the scheme, explain how it works, and guide you on how to take full advantage of it to transform your living space.

Checking eligibility is of paramount importance when considering the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS). GBIS offers valuable assistance to households in improving energy efficiency and reducing heating costs. By ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria, you can avoid disappointments and streamline the application process.

Are You Eligible?

The Uphill Battle: Tackling UK's Housing Dilemmas

In the United Kingdom, several pressing challenges loom over residents, impacting their quality of life and financial well-being. High energy bills burden households, especially those in energy-inefficient homes. Fuel poverty remains a persistent issue, leaving many struggling to afford proper heating. Moreover, ageing properties and inadequate insulation contribute to the problem of energy inefficiency. These challenges are not only detrimental to individual households but also hinder progress toward a greener, more sustainable future for the entire country.

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An Insight Into The Great British Insulation Scheme

The Great British Insulation Scheme, previously known as ECO+, represents a significant stride in the UK's commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability. With £1 billion in funding, this scheme is poised to transform households across England, Wales, and Scotland by focusing on insulation grants. By targeting homes with Energy Performance Certificate ratings of D-G and those in lower Council Tax bands A-D in England and A-E in Scotland and Wales, it aims to make energy-efficient upgrades accessible to a broader spectrum of households. Notably, this initiative goes beyond income criteria, extending its benefits to a wider array of homes. In synergy with the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme, the Great British Insulation Scheme is set to pave the way for greener, more energy-efficient homes, reducing both energy consumption and heating bills for countless households.

Do You Qualify?

Explore Diverse Insulation Options Under the GBIS

The Great British Insulation Scheme offers a comprehensive range of insulation measures to improve energy efficiency in eligible households. These measures encompass both cost-effective options and more specialised solutions. For those seeking a budget-friendly upgrade, loft and cavity wall insulation take the spotlight, effectively reducing heat loss and energy bills.

The Full Range Of Insulation Measures

• Loft insulation
• Solid wall insulation (internal and external)
• Room-in-roof insulation
• Underfloor insulation
• Solid floor insulation
• Pitched roof insulation
• Flat roof insulation
• Park home insulation
• Secondary heating controls

Loft Insulation:

Loft insulation is one of the most cost-effective and commonly used methods to improve home energy efficiency. It typically involves adding insulating material, such as mineral wool or fibreglass, between the joists in your loft or attic. This layer of insulation acts as a thermal barrier, preventing heat from escaping through the roof. By keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, loft insulation can significantly reduce your energy bills.

Solid Wall Insulation (Internal and External):

Solid wall insulation is a crucial measure for homes with non-cavity walls, which lack the hollow space for cavity wall insulation. This method can be applied either internally (inside your home) or externally (on the exterior walls). Internal insulation involves fixing insulated boards or a stud wall with insulation to the internal surface of the external walls. External insulation, on the other hand, entails adding an insulating layer and protective render to the outside of your home. Both methods create a thermal barrier, improving heat retention and energy efficiency.

Room-in-Roof Insulation:

Homes with loft conversions or rooms directly under the roof can benefit from room-in-roof insulation. This insulation type ensures that these spaces are well-insulated, preventing heat loss through the roof and maintaining a comfortable temperature year-round. It can be a particularly effective solution for homes with attic bedrooms or living spaces.

Underfloor Insulation:

Underfloor insulation involves adding insulation material beneath the ground floor of your home, either between floor joists or directly beneath the floorboards. This helps to keep the floors warmer, reducing heat loss through the ground. By insulating under your floors, you can create a more comfortable living environment and lower your heating costs.

Solid Floor Insulation:

Solid floor insulation is designed for homes with solid (concrete) floors. Insulation boards or materials are laid on top of the existing floor, providing an additional layer of thermal protection. This method reduces heat loss through the floor, making your home more energy-efficient and comfortable.

Pitched Roof Insulation:

Homes with sloped or pitched roofs can benefit from pitched roof insulation. This insulation type ensures that the attic or loft space remains well-insulated, preventing heat from escaping through the roof. It helps to maintain a consistent temperature in the attic, improving energy efficiency and comfort throughout the home.

Flat Roof Insulation:

For homes with flat roofs, flat roof insulation can be installed to enhance energy efficiency. This insulation type is applied to the roof's surface, creating an effective thermal barrier. It helps regulate temperatures within the home and reduces heat loss through the roof, contributing to lower energy bills.

Park Home Insulation:

Park homes have unique insulation requirements, and this scheme addresses those specific needs. It provides insulation solutions tailored to park homes, ensuring they are energy-efficient, well-insulated, and comfortable.

Secondary Heating Controls:

In addition to insulation measures, the scheme may also offer secondary heating controls. These controls allow you to manage and optimise your heating system for improved efficiency. By providing precise temperature control and scheduling options, secondary heating controls help you reduce energy waste and heating costs.

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Eligibility For The Great British Insulation Scheme

Eligibility for the insulation grants under the Great British Insulation Scheme is determined by specific criteria to ensure that those who need support the most can benefit. There are two main eligibility groups:

General Eligibility Group

• You must be an existing EDF customer.
• Your home should fall within Council Tax bands A-D in England, A-E in Scotland, or A-E in Wales.
• Your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating must be D or below.
• Eligible households in this group may receive a single insulation measure.
• Private renter sector is not included in this category.

Low-Income Eligibility Group

• You must be an existing EDF customer.
• You should be receiving means-tested benefits.
• Your EPC rating must be D or below.
• Households meeting these criteria may qualify for a single insulation measure.
• Properties with EPC ratings of F and G in the private rented sector are not eligible for insulation measures.
• Properties with EPC ratings of D and E can receive insulation measures, although heating control measures will not be installed.

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Embracing Energy Efficiency: A Greener Future with GBIS

In conclusion, the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is a beacon of hope for UK households striving to reduce their energy bills, lower carbon emissions, and create more comfortable living spaces. By providing various insulation measures like loft insulation and cavity wall insulation, this initiative not only enhances energy efficiency but also leads to substantial cost savings for homeowners. Embracing GBIS is not just an energy-saving endeavour; it's a step towards a greener, more sustainable future for all.