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UK Government Home Upgrade Grant - A Complete Guide

Are you looking for ways to make your home more energy-efficient and want to lower your energy bills? At Your Co-op Energy, we share your concerns and commitment to a sustainable future. That's why we created this complete guide to the UK Government's Home Upgrade Grant (HUG).

This fantastic initiative can significantly reduce the cost of energy-saving improvements in your home, helping you achieve multiple goals: lowering your bills, boosting warmth and comfort, and supporting the UK's Net Zero target.
Young family checking using their computer

Benefits of the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG)

The Home Upgrade Grant offers a range of advantages for homeowners:

Lower Energy Bills: This home energy efficiency scheme can significantly reduce your energy consumption. This translates to lower heating costs, putting more money back in your pocket.

Increased Comfort: A well-insulated and energy-efficient home maintains a more consistent and controllable temperature, creating a more comfortable living environment throughout the year.

Environmental Benefits: The UK has pledged to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050. The HUG plays a vital role by reducing carbon emissions from homes, a major contributor to the UK's carbon footprint.

Increased Property Value: Energy-efficient homes are becoming increasingly desirable. HUG-funded improvements can potentially enhance the value of your property.

Eligibility for the Home Upgrade Grant

It's important to note that the HUG is specifically targeted towards low-income households living in off-gas grid homes in England. An off-gas grid home simply means it's not connected to the UK's natural gas network. Here's a quick rundown of the eligibility criteria:
  • You must own and live in the property you're applying for. 
  • Your main heating system cannot be a gas boiler. 
  • Your home's Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating needs to have a low rating of D, E, F or G. An EPC is a document that indicates your home's energy efficiency. You can find your EPC rating on your property deeds and find out more by using our comprehensive EPC guide.
man installing loft insulation

What the HUG Covers

The HUG can cover a variety of energy-saving measures installed by approved contractors. The specific improvements will depend on a home survey arranged by your local council. Some potential upgrades include:
  • Grants for home insulation will include Wall, loft, and underfloor insulation. This traps heat within your home, reducing the amount of energy needed to maintain a comfortable temperature. 
  • Air source heat pumps: These innovative systems extract heat from the outside air to provide efficient heating and hot water. 
  • Electric radiators: Modern electric radiators offer efficient and controllable heating solutions.

How to Apply for the HUG

The first step is to visit the official government webpage to apply for the Home Upgrade Grant. The application process is straightforward, here are the steps you'll need to take: 

Step 1

Contact your local council to express your interest in the HUG program.

Step 2

The council will arrange for a qualified surveyor to visit your home and assess its energy efficiency.

Step 3

If your home meets the eligibility criteria, the council will liaise with approved installers to complete the necessary work to increase your home's energy efficiency.

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Additional Support from Your Co-op Energy

At Your Co-op Energy, we're passionate about helping our members and customers use efficient and renewable energy. So even if you don't qualify for the HUG, you can still increase the efficiency and lower the emissions of your home with 100% renewable energy from Your Co-op.

Enjoy UK-generated renewable energy with a guaranteed constant supply of power to your home, from £134 p/m for a typical UK home. Explore our range of tariffs, with a unique to-market Community Power tariff and Excellent rated service on Trustpilot.

Explore our Renewable Energy Tariffs

FAQs

What types of home upgrades are covered by the HUG?

The HUG can cover a variety of energy-saving measures, but the specific improvements will depend on a home survey arranged by your local council. Some common upgrades include wall, loft, and underfloor insulation, air source heat pumps, and electric radiators.

Is there a cost involved for homeowners who qualify for the HUG?

No, the HUG is a grant program that covers the majority of the cost for eligible homeowners. There may be a minimal contribution required depending on the specific upgrades installed.

I'm not sure if I qualify for the HUG. What should I do?

The first step is to check the eligibility criteria outlined in this guide. If you meet the basic requirements, contact your local council to express your interest in the program. They can guide you through the application process and determine your eligibility.

How long does the HUG application process take?

The timeframe can vary depending on your local council's workload and the complexity of your home survey. However, you can expect the entire process, from initial contact to completion of the upgrades, to take several weeks to a few months.

My home uses a gas boiler for heating. Am I eligible for the HUG?

No, unfortunately the HUG is specifically targeted at homes that don't rely on the gas grid for heating.

My EPC rating is a C. Can I still apply for the HUG?

The HUG is currently focused on homes with an EPC rating of D, E, F or G. However, future iterations of the program might expand eligibility criteria.

What should I do to prepare for a home survey if I'm interested in the HUG?

There's no specific preparation needed, but it's helpful to have your EPC rating readily available. The surveyor will assess your home's energy efficiency and may ask questions about your current heating system and insulation levels.

Can I choose the specific upgrades made to my home through the HUG?

While you may have some preferences, the specific improvements will be determined by the recommendations from the home survey. The goal is to maximize the overall energy efficiency of your home.

What happens if the HUG upgrades cause any damage to my property?

Approved contractors will be responsible for any damage caused during the installation process.