Green Deal – It’s finally been launched but can it help you save some money? There’s still some finalising that must be done on it and just two key energy providers have gotten on board with it. However, here’s the gist of the green deal:
Understanding The Green Deal and How It Works
In 2013, rather than paying for all those energy-efficient measures at the beginning, you can request a loan for nearly £10,000. And, any of the pricy materials that you need – boilers, solar panels, wall insulation and more, can be added to the home’s energy bill. Pay the loan off – with interest – through the savings you get from the energy bill.
If you need to move for whatever reason, the green deal loan will affix itself to the home. However, eligibility for these savings is based on “THE” rule: the savings estimated on your bill must be at least or more than the savings made from the loan.
The Problem With The Green Deal and Older Homes
This can be a little tricky when dealing with older homes – pre-1919 days, which tend to have solid walls. These homes were created to breathe, allow moisture to evaporate through the lime plasters. After 1919, homes were created with cavity walls so they’ll be easier to insulate under the green deal.
Consider a quarter of the homes in the UK are made of this, it’s important to learn how these older properties work. The current thinking is that the green deal is geared more toward newer homes.
If the building you live in has big windows for most of its outer walls, a wall installation must be installed first to qualify for the green deal. Of course, installing a secondary glazing on the windows would do better for them and your money.
The items that are needed to stop older homes from allowing energy to escape – internal shutters, draught proofing and secondary glazing – do not meet this green deal rule. Thus, homeowners will need extra funding so it’s not really known how this is going to work.
People are occupied with keeping the look of old buildings. However, building conservation doesn’t always mean energy conservation. Thus, you need to keep this website – sdfoundation.org.uk – in mind. You need the Sustainable Traditional Buildings Alliance to help you make the best possible green deal for you and your home. It was created last year at the historic Somerset House in London and is currently advising the Department of Energy and Climate Change on how the green deal can become less age discriminatory.