Off-gas residents in rural areas of the UK, lacking grid connectivity, actively use alternative heating methods to warm and power their homes. These methods of heating can come with high energy costs and poor energy efficiency.
A lot of these homes are beginning to seek help to heat their homes and to do this they are looking to government-backed grants such as ECO4 and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
ECO4 is a government-approved scheme that can see those living in fuel poverty and can help households with low energy ratings gain access to energy-saving improvements to their homes, this includes off-gas homes.
What Properties are Off-Gas and Why?
Many homes in the country find themselves unconnected to the grid, therefore they supply their own energy and warmth for their properties by various means. There are also various property types that this impacts. For them, moving into renewable energy generation is the best way to ease their energy consumption as well as costs.
Some of these properties will also be getting by without the use of electricity.
What are the Property Types?
Here is an example of properties that can be off-gas;
- Rural Farmhouses / Cottages: some properties are located rurally such as farmhouses. These commonly large homes most likely get their heat from burning things such as wood or a large gas tank located at the exterior of the property. Large, uninsulated buildings, will require an extortionate amount of gas to heat due to vast amounts of heat escaping and having more space to generate it for.
What Help is Available for Off-Gas Properties?
Due to the expansion of the ECO scheme, homes off the grid can now receive help getting energy-efficient heating and energy systems.
ECO4
Government-funded and backed by the UK’s largest energy companies, ECO4 will improve the energy efficiency rating of homes that need it the most.
The scheme presently targets homes without a mains gas supply or those equipped with a non-condensing boiler.
Under ECO4 you are entitled to:
- Solar panels: this efficient way of generating electricity is perfect for homes in rural areas. Providing the property is south-facing, which is the best orientation for solar in the UK, your home can begin to generate electricity from the power of the sun. You may also be able to install a solar system into the ground, providing the space is available.
- Air Source Heat Pump: using harmful fuel sources to burn and generate heat can be a thing of the past with the installation of an air source pump. Using heat from the air, they generate heat through a refrigeration method, burning no fossil fuels and producing a significant energy-efficient outcome.
- Whole Home Insulation: Many older properties will have poor insulation therefore heat generated will escape which leads to high energy costs. Home insulation can be added to the walls, loft, and even under the ground floor of your home.
It’s important to note that the ECO4 scheme does not currently include park homes, caravan homes, or houseboats. However, ECO is an ever-evolving scheme and with ECO4 set to end in 2026, these home types will likely meet the new criteria laid out in the inevitable ECO5.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme
A Government scheme that aims to help UK homes switch to a renewable heating source. Rather than being a grant, this scheme is offered in the form of a voucher and will require a small financial contribution from the householder.
Your home could be fitted with a range of different heating methods;
- Air Source Heat Pumps Vouchers: a voucher worth £7,500 is available for an air source heat pump voucher with the average contribution towards it being £500.
- Ground Source Heat Pump: ground source heat pumps work in the same way as air source but instead, they source the heat from the ground. Again, the voucher value consists of £7,500.
- Biomass Boiler Voucher: receive a voucher of £5,000 for a biomass boiler. Biomass boilers use organic fuel sources to burn and generate heat. Organic matter such a wood pellets, chips, or logs can create warmth for central heating systems and hot water boilers. This is an affordable and renewable way of heating your home.
Summary
The majority of the homes in the UK that are off-gas, due to geographical location and property age, are using their own means to heat their properties. Due to poor efficiency, these methods will cause gas and energy bills to soar.
Through schemes like ECO4 and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, homes can recieve vouchers and grants towards new renewable energy systems for their off-grid homes. This will cut their energy bill costs and leave them with a much better EPC rating.