[h6]The Warm Homes Plus scheme provides a range of insulation solutions to homes on a qualifying benefit.[/h6]
[full]
This is a great scheme run by the Department for Social Development and provides a range of insulation and heating solutions for low income house holds. The scheme provides Cavity wall insulation, Loft insulation, hot water jacket, energy advice and a range of heating systems. You may also qualify for installation of a fully controlled, energy-efficient oil or gas central heating system where no system currently exists. Conversion of an existing bottled gas (LPG), solid fuel or Economy 7 heating system to oil. With energy prices constantly on the rise it has never been a better time to check your house is not leaking heat and therefore money.

[h6] The house above shows typical hot spots where energy is leaking from your house. Roof and wall insulation make a huge difference. But as the picture shows UPVC window frames also perform badly. The building regulations call for Low E argon filled double glazed K glass yet the frames themselves are hollow with only two 5mm pieces of UPVC separating inside from out. Putting a high performance material in a badly performing frame is madness. But unfortunately it is hard to source insulated UPVC frames in NI. Wood is a good insulator so hardwood frames are the best choice if you can commit to the maintenance involved.[/h6]

The turn over for the Warm Homes Scheme is quick. The projects we have been involved in have typically had a turn over from application to installation of 5-6 weeks and have transformed the homes involved.

This is a great scheme run by the Department for Social Development and provides a range of insulation and heating solutions for low income house holds. The scheme provides Cavity wall insulation, Loft insulation, hot water jacket, energy advice and a range of heating systems. You may also qualify for installation of a fully controlled, energy-efficient oil or gas central heating system where no system currently exists. Conversion of an existing bottled gas (LPG), solid fuel or Economy 7 heating system to oil. With energy prices constantly on the rise it has never been a better time to check your house is not leaking heat and therefore money.

Insulation makes your home hold the heat better, reducing fuel bills and making the home much more comfortable. A good hot water jacket keeps the water hotter for longer and reduces the time and fuel required to heat the water. Increasing the insulation in your home increases your Energy Performance Rating, a "miles per gallon" for heating your house. Which in turn increasing the value of your home.

It is not that often that the government implements a good scheme that does as intended so we would encourage you to check the website bellow or phone to check if you qualify. If you do, your home will be inspected after 2-3 weeks and the works carried out 1-2 weeks after that. It is only a short phone call to check if your qualify. Perhaps you have an old relative who could benefit from a warmer home. If so, you can arrange the inspection from them.

To qualify you must receive one of the bellow;

• Income Support
• Income Related Employment Support Allowance
• Income Based Job Seeker's Allowance
• Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit (with relevant income less than £15,860)
• Working Tax Credit
• Disability Living Allowance
• Attendance Allowance
• Housing Benefit

For more information about the Northern Ireland Warm Homes Scheme, call freephone 0800 988 0559 or apply online.
www.warm-homes.com
[/full]