Green Deal Scheme

The Green Deal scheme helps you improve your home so it uses less energy, which in turn means your bills will be lower.

It can help you cover the cost of upgrades such as:

•    loft, cavity wall or solid wall insulation
•    new or upgraded heating systems
•    draught-proofing windows and doors
•    double glazing 
•    solar panels
•    heat pumps

First, get a Green Deal assessment to find out what energy-saving improvements suit your home.

The assessor will produce a detailed report which recommends upgrades that could save you money.

You can then choose which options you wish to press ahead with.

You can pay for the work in different ways, such as: 

• taking out a Green Deal loan to spread the cost
• using other grants or schemes alongside the Green Deal
• paying upfront

If you take out a loan, repayments are added to your electricity bill, so you shouldn’t pay more than you save on energy.

A qualified assessor will visit your home and discuss your energy use and household needs with you.

They’ll also check what heating systems, appliances and energy-saving features you currently have, how many people live in your house and how you typically use your heating. 

You may also be asked questions like: 

• Do you own or rent your home?
• Is your home a listed building or in a conservation area?
• Are there any access difficulties (e.g., loft access)?
• Can you provide recent energy bills?

After the visit, you’ll get a Green Deal advice report that includes:

• an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating your home’s energy efficiency
• recommended improvements tailored to your home
• estimated costs and potential annual savings on energy bills
• whether the improvements are likely to pay for themselves over time

This report lasts for 10 years unless you make major changes to the home.

The Green Deal is open to homeowners and tenants in England, Scotland and Wales.

If you live in rented accommodation, your landlord must agree to any improvements in their property.

Your home must be suitable for improvements, so the assessor will check details like: 

• the type and age of your home
• access to key areas like loft space
• energy use history

You can pay upfront or spread the cost with a Green Deal finance plan offered by approved providers.

When you get a quote, it will explain: 

• the loan amount
• repayment period
• interest rate
• monthly repayments

Repayments are added to your electricity bill or deducted from a prepayment meter if you have one.

If you move house, the loan stays with the property and the new owner takes over repayments.

You can pay off the loan early, but it’s best to check if there’s a fee first. 

How do I know I’m dealing with a legitimate company?

The Green Deal scheme used to be government-backed, but now it’s run by private companies.

Always look for the Green Deal quality mark - a green house with a tick on the roof - to make sure you’re dealing with a genuine company.

Is there other support available?

Yes, there are several schemes available to help you cover the cost of energy-efficient home improvements.

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO), for example, was set up to help vulnerable and low-income households make energy efficiency improvements to their homes, such as replacing a boiler and fitting insulation.

Contact your local council to find out if they’re taking part in ECO or go direct to energy suppliers taking part in the scheme.

Other options include: 

• the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)
• the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
• the Connected for Warmth insulation scheme 

Find out more about what grants, benefits and help to pay energy bills is available here.