Eco-upgrade home scheme extended

A free property eco-upgrade which helps save homeowners money on their gas and electric bills has been extended, reports The Argus.

As a result, “thousands” of homes could receive the upgrade which includes cavity wall improvements and loft insulation.

The scheme, a joint venture between Brighton and Hove City Council alongside Climate Energy/EDF Energy, is offering improvements to a greater number of tenants than ever before.

The project could also attract potential tenants looking for properties to rent in the area, due to the way insulation keeps homes warm as well as directly helps tenants’ purse strings.

Previously, the Warm Homes offer had a number of restrictions but now there is “no age, income or benefit eligibility requirement”, allowing homeowners to save “almost £250 in heating bills a year by keeping more heat in the home”.

However, the council has warned that not all properties will be eligible for the upgrade but residents can apply for a free property survey to see if their homes are suitable.

The scheme follows the launch of Big Energy Week, reports Cumnock Chronicle, which is helping homeowners identify a number of money-saving tips when it comes to energy.

For example, simple things like “turning off lights and switching appliances off at the wall” can help reduce energy bills.