What is the Great British Insulation Scheme and is it available for you?
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is here. Launched at the end of 2023, we answer your questions and explain it in detail.
Great British Insulation Scheme
The Great British Insulation Scheme, also known as ECO+, is a government-funded program that helps eligible households in England, Scotland, and Wales install energy-efficient insulation measures in their homes. The scheme is designed to help reduce fuel poverty and carbon emissions.
The scheme provides financial support for a variety of insulation measures, including cavity wall insulation, solid wall insulation, and loft insulation. These measures can help to reduce energy bills by up to £300 per year.
What types of insulation are included?
There are a few different insulation methods that are available as part of the Great British Insulation Scheme.
Loft Insulation
Your home can lose a lot of heat through its roof. Material rolls made from sheep wool, glass fibre, and rock fibre are used and placed between loft joists – then at angles to cover the joists and reach the required depth.
Room In Roof Insulation
Insulation will need to be installed above the rafters if your loft is lived in.
Cavity Wall Insulation
Commonly, homes will have a small gap between the outer wall and interior wall known as the cavity. This will be used to pump insulation in between and prevent any heat escaping through.
Solid Wall Insulation
Older properties will have solid wall constructions and lose more heat due to only one layer between the outside and inside. Solid walls can be insulated by adding an insulated internal layer to your walls.
Underfloor Insulation
Insulation will be added under floorboards on the home’s ground floor, stopping draughts. This method can also involve sealing up any gaps in skirting boards.
Who is eligible for the scheme?
The Great British Insulation Scheme is currently only available for homeowners and private tenants living in England, Scotland and Wales.
The scheme is only available for homes with an EPC rating of D-G. You can check your EPC rating to see if you are eligible.
Somebody living in the property must be in receipt of a means tested benefit to qualify for the scheme.
Means-tested benefits can include: child tax credits, working tax credit, universal credit, pension credit, child benefit and more. To see the full list and to check your eligibility in 30 seconds, go to our easy eligibility check.
Could you be eligible for support with rising energy costs or improving the efficiency of your home? We can help you check in just 60 seconds without providing any personal details.
Home Insulation FAQs
- What’s the difference between an air source heat pump and a ground source heat pump?
A ground source heat pump requires substantial work and expense in order for it to be installed. Installers must drill deep bore holes in the ground and install extensive pipework underneath your garden in order for this to work. Air source heat pumps can be installed with minimal disruption and do not require extensive underground work.
- How much space does an air source heat pump need?
A modern air source heat pump is about the same size as a washing machine and can be installed in most properties with a small garden or yard.
- Does an air source heat pump require a lot of ongoing maintenance?
A modern air source heat pump only requires an annual service, just like a typical boiler. This is just to make sure that the equipment is performing at optimal levels. All heat pumps come with extended manufacturer warranties.
- Do air source heat pumps work in really cold conditions?
Air source heat pumps work in all weather, even in minus temperatures. Whilst they’re less efficient in temperatures below zero, they still work really well. Over 60% of homes in Norway use air source heat pumps, where conditions are much colder than the UK.
- Do air source heat pumps work with older radiators?
Most property radiators are large enough for air source heat pumps. However, it may be necessary to increase your radiator sizes in order for your room to retain the same level of warmth as a standard boiler. The ECO4 scheme includes new radiators for free as part of the grant.
- Can I turn my air source heat pump on and off?
We wouldn’t recommend turning your air source heat pump on and off. This will reduce the performance and efficiency of your system. An air source heat pump is designed to maintain an ambient temperature for your home. The consistency of heat produced by air source heat pumps helps keep your home warm for longer.
- Will my heat pump be loud?
A heat pump typically makes about the same noise as a standard household refrigerator. The heat pumps that we install have a noise output of between 40-60dB.
Household Appliance Typical Noise Output Refrigerator 50dB Dishwasher 55-70dB Tumble Dryer 70dB Toilet Flushing 75-85dB Air Source Heat Pump 40-60dB It is also important to remember that an air source heat pump is located outside your property, not inside. So this noise will be further reduced by doors, windows and walls.
- Does an air source heat pump use lots of electricity?
An air source heat pump is powered by electricity. Generally, from 1kw of electricity, an air source heat pump will generate 3.5kw worth of heat. An air source heat pump is cheaper to heat your home than LPG, Oil, Coal and Electric Storage Heaters.
- How is an air source heat pump cheaper when electricity is expensive?
An air source heat pump is incredibly efficient, which is why it is one of the most affordable ways to heat your home. Through the pump, on average 1kw of electricity is converted into about 3.5kw worth of heat. This means that your heat pump can run at about 350% “efficiency” whilst an average oil boiler or LPG boiler runs at around 70-80%.