Hatfield resident with free energy-efficiency home upgrades urges others to see if they could benefit
A Hatfield resident whose home is warmer, more comfortable and “healthier” after getting free energy-efficiency upgrades is encouraging others to see if they could benefit from the scheme.
The Government-funded Warm Homes: Local Grant (WHLG) scheme offers eligible households up to £30,000 of free energy-saving home improvements, such as insulation, draught-proofing, double glazing, heat pumps, solar panels and battery storage. These measures help keep homes warmer in winter, cooler in summer and cheaper to run, helping residents to save money on their energy bills.
Hatfield resident Andy Mackay applied after seeing the scheme advertised in Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council’s free One Welwyn Hatfield magazine. He says his home now feels warmer, more comfortable and healthier after benefiting from the installation of new extractor fans, loft and cavity wall insulation, double glazing, new windows, and new front and back doors.
“I haven’t had to put the heating on once,” Andy said. “They put the new extractor fans in and ventilation on all the windows. The house feels so much healthier. The house is able to breathe. It really does feel good.
“They’ve done a grand job. Synergy [the contractor] were so attentive.”
The funding is open to homeowners and privately renting tenants who live in a property with a low energy-efficiency rating (D-G) and meet certain eligibility criteria. The easiest way to apply is through the National Energy Foundation (NEF), who will check if residents are eligible and coordinate the improvement work.
Andy said the application was straightforward and the staff were helpful, adding that he would “definitely” encourage others to contact NEF to see if they are eligible.
Councillor Sandreni Bonfante, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Climate Change, said:
“I’m really proud that we are part of this excellent scheme, which is making residents’ homes warmer and more comfortable, reducing their fuel bills, and helping to tackle climate change.
“Andy’s story shows what a fantastic impact the scheme is already having, and I encourage everyone to check their eligibility with the NEF to see if they too could benefit from up to £30,000 of energy-saving upgrades.”
To find out more about the scheme and how to apply, visit: https://one.welhat.gov.uk/directory-record/373/warm-homes-local-grant-fund