If your home is not insulated to modern standards, look into the government grants which are available NOW. rnrnThe Warm Front scheme deadline for applicants is 31 March 2012. It is currently undersubscribed, so £30 million-worth of grants may be unclaimed by people entitled to them. Warm Front can give up to £3,500 to homeowners or tenants who rent from a private landlord and receive certain benefits. Cavity wall and loft insulation can save about £300 off energy bills per year and energy firms sometimes offer serious freebies to meet energy efficiency targets. According to estimates of the Energy Saving Trust, modern loft insulation can save you about £175 a year.rnrnBroadly if you are over 70 or you are in receipt of certain state benefits (including Attendance Allowance), you should be able to get a 100% grant. Others can get part of the cost paid by grant. You must apply for a grant before any work is done. Grants will not be considered after you have insulation installed or if you do the work yourself. The installation MUST be carried out by an accredited installer, who will offer the grant at the time.rnrnThis is yet another reason to ensure that your elderly friends and relatives are claiming the benefits to which they are entitled by virtue of the taxes they have paid. State benefits can be a passport to so many other advantages, which improve quality of life.rnrnThe Government’s Green Deal scheduled to start in October 2012 will only allow you to borrow money that today you may be able to get for free today as a grant.rnrnNot all properties are suitable for cavity wall or loft insulation. Most providers conduct a free survey. If you’ve damp problems, the EnergySavingTrust says sort it out first. rnrnUsually you won’t be able to get insulation if:rnrnYou live in a housing association property or are a council tenant.rnYou live in a flat and can’t co-ordinate with all other tenants.rnYou already have insulation.rnYour home is timber or metal framed or made from natural stone or concrete.rnrnHere’s a rundown of the current best offers. While EDF offers free cavity wall and loft insulation to all, you may be eligible for some of the other offers. It’s worth checking as you may want to go with your own supplier or, for those over 70 and on certain benefits Tesco gives 2,500 Clubcard points, well worth it if you can get them. rnrnRemember not all properties are suitable for cavity wall or loft insulation. Most providers conduct a free survey. If you’ve damp problems the EnergySavingTrust says sort it first. rnrnUsually you won’t be able to get insulation if:rn You live in a housing association property or are a council tenant.rnYou live in a flat and can’t co-ordinate with all other tenants.rnYou already have insulation.rnYour home is timber or metal framed or made from natural stone or concrete.rnrnThis is general guidance and is not FSA regulated financial advice.rn
