Blogs - Your Windows Grant

Energy Saving Solutions For Low Income Households

The ever-rising cost of energy bills is affecting certain households more than you might think. It’s important to assess the health, environmental and economic effect on communities such as ‘low income’ who may be left behind. There are many ways to start energy saving and overcome particular barriers and help these groups to establish energy saving solutions needed to meet the energy efficiency guidelines. Low-income households are of course deeply impacted by the rising cost of energy prices bills and inflation. The ‘energy burden’ is much higher for them, as the cost of energy prices will leave them with much less disposable income, meaning the burden is much higher. The level of ‘energy burden’ will also depend of location. Across the nation low-income households spend 3x more money on energy prices than households with high levels of income. How Is Are Low-Income Non Energy Efficient Homes Identified? There are several measurement scales to define middle to low income households. A household’s status is often used to determine the amount of funding they will receive. This is because there simply shouldn’t be a one size fits all approach. Each funding scheme should be catered towards particular needs, for example the cost of living may differ slightly between different areas. Many factors could contribute to the level of energy burden. In other words, homeowners may feel the need to turn up their heating for a whole host of different reasons. Their homes may be lacking insulation, meaning that heat is able to escape easily through the walls and roof. Good insulation helps to contain the heat and energy which has already been generated, almost like recycling it -reducing the need to turn your radiators up. Another factor could be old and inefficient double glazed windows and doors. If windows and doors haven’t been replaced in a while, they could be lacking in thermal efficiency. The seals of the double glazed windows could be broken, therefore allowing heat to escape. Also if you notice decay, rot or mould festering in between the glass of your window, this could cause a decline in thermal efficiency. Low income families may face difficulty accessing technologies which could ultimately make energy saving more affordable. 48% of middle-income household have adapted to such technologies since 2010. It is often that an energy efficient home is required to effectively lower utility bills; however an energy efficient home and energy saving, double glazed windows and doors can leads to all type of other benefits. Some of these advantages include indoor air quality, comfort and safety. It is proven that all of these attributes will positively affect your health and wellbeing. Affordable Energy Saving Solutions Luckily, there are many energy saving solutions that do not cost a thing! Turn down the thermostat by one 1 degree C. Do not over fill the kettle when boiling the water. Turning electrical items off rather than leaving them on standby. Turn the light off when not using them. These may seem like simple changes for an energy efficient home. However these energy saving solutions can make a huge difference! By adapting these habits over a year, you could easily save around 2,150 kWh of energy, which equals to a saving of a huge £150! There are many other energy saving options, but these could set you back up to £50. It is highly likely that you will gain your return on investment. The following energy saving measures would help any household increase the energy savings and create an energy efficient home. Receiving funding for the installation of new, energy saving double glazed windows and doors. Reflective radiator panels will help to make the most of small amounts of heat. Replace light bulbs with energy saving LED light bulbs. Although low income household are considered the most vulnerable to the rising cost of inflation, this can still affect everyone. Did you know that the consumer price index increased by 6.2% across 12 months leading up to February 2022. This is up 5% from the previous period. The continuous rise of inflation is putting all households on a budget. Energy saving isn’t the only increasing price, the price of fuel and the rate of VAT is also going to increase. Aside from reducing your energy prices, adapting to an energy saving household is incredibly important to help mitigate the effects of global climate change for good.

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Expert guide to an energy efficient modern conservatory

Conservatory, Energy Saving / Admin

An expertly designed modern conservatory is an amazing way to become more energy efficient. Your home will become much more comfortable, whilst saving you money on utility bills and reducing your carbon emissions. With so many energy-saving/environmental benefits and conservatory funding available, there really is no reason not to consider a conservatory extension for your home! The key reason as to why a modern conservatory can help with energy efficiency is because it creates a buffer zone between the indoor and outdoor areas. With a conservatory, you can afford to let the heat escape through less thermally efficient walls, as the heat will simply transfer through to the conservatory – creating another warm room on colder days. The stored heat within the modern conservatory can be used to heat up another room at another time. The buffer effect is caused by a modern conservatory is a beneficial way to save on your energy bill. Thermal Efficiency Conservatory Ideas Not ever modern conservatory is thermally efficient; it simply depends on how they are designed. There are certain conservatory ideas to consider when increasing the thermal values of your home and new modern conservatory. Add some high quality double glazed doors between your home and the conservatory to achieve maximum security and thermal efficiency. Low emissivity coatings added to the inside of double glazed windows can decrease any heat which is lost from internal heating systems. Particularly useful for conservatories which are north facing. Solar control layers can help to control the level of the suns energy which is transferred into the conservatory, helping to regulate the temperature of the room. There are many thermostats which will allow you to control the conservatories temperature, separately to the other rooms in the house. Natural ventilation is incredibly popular and much more environmentally friendly than the standard air conditioning systems. How Green Is A Modern Conservatory? The materials which are used to manufacture a conservatory are used recycled materials, and are therefore recyclable if the conservatory is ever broken down. Some of the materials which are recyclable are the following: Aluminium: Aluminium is often the material used for the conservatory itself or its structural elements. uPVC: This material is used for the side frames of the conservatory to maximise strength and thermal efficiency. Timber: Timber can be fully recycled, but only if it is naturally sourced. Glass: The glass used within the windows in 100% recyclable Embrace The Natural Light In Your Conservatory Due to their big open windows, conservatories are known to encourage the natural light to the living space. This could potentially reduce your electricity bills and therefore reduce your energy usage as you will be less likely to switch on the lights. Conservatory Ideas To Maximise Thermal Efficiency There are many conservatory ideas to consider, but the best way to increase the energy efficiency of your conservatory is by simply by insulating it more efficiently. The polycarbonate within the conservatory roof could be allowing heat to escape, and the only way to do this is by adding insulation within the walls of your conservatory. If you have experience with Do It Yourself projects, you could even consider adding the conservatory roof insulation yourself. Choosing a glass conservatory roof will really help to maximise thermal efficiency. Something To Consider… You may notice that your conservatory is quite cold during the winter, but this may not be related to the lack of thermal efficiency. Be sure to check that all of the windows are closed properly, and that all draughts are sealed. Conservatory Roof Replacement Grants Here at ‘Apply For Grants’, we understand that a tired, old conservatory roofs can be the difference between whether your extra room is thermally efficient or not. Luckily, there are many conservatory roof replacement grants available – don’t hesitate and check your eligibility today! There are also many government grants available for energy efficiency. Our conservatory roof replacement grants cover all shapes, sizes and materials. So whatever your preference is, we have a range of options specifically tailored to your needs. A conservatory can help with energy efficient due to the ‘buffer zone’ that it creates, capturing the heat which is lost through the walls of your home. However, there are many ways to drastically improve the thermal efficiency of your conservatory such as the installation of double glazed doors or choosing natural ventilation system over standard air conditioning.

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6 Top Tips: An Expert Guide To Funding Your Home Improvements

Home improvements / Admin

It’s no surprise that buying a new house can be expensive. Many struggle to afford moving properties, this is due to the ever rising costs of house prices, solicitor fees and stamp duty. Home improvements and upgrades such as adding a new conservatory, building an extension or creating an open plan kitchen is now the alternative. These simple changes can be made without costing too much money whilst potentially adding value to your home. You have already some home renovation ideas in mind, however sparing the money for these first home improvements projects can be extremely challenging. Luckily for you, we have put together 6 tips to help you fund your renovations effectively. Use Home Improvement Finance Options First, carry out some research on the home improvements that you wish to make. There should be some available information covering the average prices and how much money you will need to fund these changes. Once you have established the individual prices for each area of renovation, then it may be time to consider partnering up with ‘Apply For Grants’ or another home improvement finance company. Suppliers work together with highly respected home renovation companies, so that homeowners can develop their home renovation ideas and afford new energy efficient home upgrades easily. This is often supported by a personalised, manageable payment plan. There are a few points to consider before working with a home improvement finance company. Eligibility checks and criteria. The work on your home will not start until your home is approved. Be clear in your mind about the amount you will need. Apply For Loans offer a range of flexible solutions for your first home improvements. This includes generous, accessible funding for new double glazed windows, doors, boilers and conservatories. Use Your Own Savings For Your Home Improvements If you have the money to fund your home, but it’s locked away in savings, then it may be time to spend it. If you can refrain from spending your money on holidays or a new car, then investing your money into your property could be the best solution. We understand that it can be painful to put all of your savings into your first home improvements, but it’s important to keep in mind that you could increase the value of your property by 10%. Using your own money is a huge advantage. This way you are not in debt to any lender. On the other hand, using all of your money to pay for your home improvements isn’t advised as this can drain your accounts and leave you with nothing – this is why funding for home improvements is advised. If you wish to use your own money, but don’t have enough cash then it’s important to think about starting up a savings goal and working towards it. Re-Mortgaging For Home Improvements You may have heard that borrowing more on a mortgage for first home improvements. Re-mortgaging your home is a great way to fund your home improvements; this is especially true if you need to borrow quite a large amount of money. The large amount of money could be used for a makeover of your entire home or even a full extension with new double or triple glazing. The only way that you are able to re-mortgage your home is by having enough equity in your home to start home to start with. To clarify this, be sure to set up a meeting with your mortgage lender before even planning your dream home renovation ideas. If your application for a re-mortgage is accepted, this would simply be the highest loan or amount of money that you could receive from any source. Consider An Unsecured Loan For Your First Home Improvements An unsecured loan is popular for first home improvements; this is because it isn’t connected to any of your belongings. If certain loans aren’t paid back, the lenders have the right to your assets such as your car or home! This is not the case with an unsecured loan, but you will only be granted one if you have an impeccable credit score and evidence of a satisfactory income. Consider A Secured Loan For Your First Home Improvements Secured loans are of course the opposite – putting your collateral at risk. However, because of this, a secured loan doesn’t require a spotless credit history for you to be accepted. They also allow you to borrow much higher amounts.

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Discovering ‘Apply For Grants’: Double Glazed Windows and Doors Replacement

Leave a Comment / Grants, Double glaze, Home improvements, Triple glaze, Window / Admin

The Firth’s brightened up their home, saved money on their energy bills and reduced their carbon emissions with brand new uPVC, energy efficient, double glazed windows. After living in their current house for around 3 years, the Firth’s began to notice the drastically rising costs of their heating bills. After carrying out the relevant research, The Firth’s decided that the best way to reduce their utility bills was to invest in double glazed windows. After retrieving a number of quotes and establishing the average cost of new double glazing. They soon realised that the installation of energy efficient double glazed windows was going to be quite expensive. With the ever rising cost of inflation, this was simply money that they didn’t have spared to spend on energy efficient home improvements. Despite this, the family was keen to find another way to fund their new double glazed windows. After a quick Google search they managed to find another option for their energy saving devices – funding for windows and doors! This was the perfect solution. They checked their eligibility and were instantaneously provided access to the funds they needed to have their old windows and doors replaced! Their brand-new uPVC double glazed windows and doors have elevated their living space, whilst keeping their home secure, thermally efficient and weather resistant. The Firth’s now enjoy reduced monthly heating costs as a result of their energy efficient home improvements. How Did You Find The Energy Efficient Home Improvements Service Provided By ‘Apply For Grants?’ The Firth’s were extremely happy when they quickly discovered the ‘Apply For Grants’ website. They couldn’t believe how many options were available. The website provided a lot of information regarding energy efficient home improvement products. At first they assumed this would be a time-consuming process. They soon realised that all they had to do was check their eligibility using the contact form on the website a customer service representative was in touch with them the same day! The friendly representative explained the available doors and window options and the amount of funding that was available to them. They were surprised at how much they were able to receive! The representative explained that energy efficient home improvements were a priority for the company, and that they aimed to provide thermally insulating windows and doors to as many homeowners as possible. By doing this, they would hope to reduce the amount of wasted energy that is released into the atmosphere and therefore potentially mitigate the effects of global climate change. How Did You Find The Installation Process? Once the initial consultation was complete, the Firth’s were booked in for a survey and installation with their assigned home renovations company. Both the survey and the installation were efficient, timely and very tidy. The Firth’s even said that they thoroughly enjoyed the company of the installers! They were friendly, quiet and cleaned up after themselves. After the installation, the happy family decided to write a positive review on trust pilot. They were incredibly impressed with the service they had received from ‘Apply For Grants’ and stated that they would definitely recommend to friends and family. What Attracted You To Energy Efficient Double Glazed Windows & Doors? There new double glazed windows and doors not only helped them to reduce their energy bills but they also gained peace of mind knowing they were doing their bit to help the environment. After the installation they decided to read up on this further. They discovered that the uPVC frame was an incredibly effective thermal insulator, which would effectively maximise heat retention and minimize heat loss. They also found that the double glazing which was inserted within the frame had high thermal properties too. Double glazed windows consist of two panels of glass with argon gas inserted in-between to boost the properties thermal efficiency. The Firth’s were pleased that if they were able to keep the heat in, there would be much less wasted energy being released into the atmosphere. Aside from the energy-saving benefits, the windows have a very modern appearance which instantly improves the overall aesthetic of the property. The Firth’s couldn’t be happier that they had chosen ‘Apply For Grants’ to fund their home improvement projects. The results far exceeded their expectations and they are looking forward to inviting their family round to dinner. Experience the fantastic service from ‘Apply For Grants’ for yourself! Check your eligibility

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How To Design Your Open Plan Home Renovations

Leave a Comment / Home improvements / Admin

After scrolling through the home renovations of Facebook and Instagram, Debbie decided that it was time for a fresh start. She wished to start her home renovations and decided that the beautiful, bright time of spring would be the perfect time to do so. Debbie longed to create an inviting, modern and spacious home with an open plan living/dining area. Open plan living allows the merge of both room functionalities, combined with the advantage of excellent ventilation and a seamless flow of natural light. Research illustrates that one of the best home improvements for open plan is to eliminate walls between key areas creating a highly beneficial free flowing space between different rooms, maximising practicality and contemporary aesthetic. Open plan home renovations will allow Debbie to swap her separate rooms for a light filled, exceptionally modern space to dine, relax or socialise in. It’s fundamental that Debbie decides between an open plan kitchen/living room and an open plan kitchen/diner. Patio doors and casement windows will give her the freedom and flexibility to create the illusion of an extended room within her home. With new window and door technology, she will easily be able to achieve unique character and create a bright, beautiful environment for the open plan kitchen of her dreams. What Does Debbie Need To Consider When Designing Open Plan Kitchen Home Renovations? Let’s take a look at some of the vital steps that Debbie will need to consider during her planning of home renovations: First, it is important for Debbie to decide where each of different areas will be. Often the kitchen is walked through to access the garden – it does not have to be.An open plan kitchen is not just a chance to transform a space aesthetically, but also an opportunity to start again and improve the practicality of an area for you and your family. Identify the obstacles that cause you the most issues within your home and aim to create a structure which practically rectifies them. Secondly, the purpose should be defined. Debbie may wish to increase her new ‘work from home’ space, or simply wish to gaze out at her back gardening handy-work from the comfort of her living room. There must be a clear vision in place.Simply placing furniture away from the walls to create a seating area in the middle of the room can help create a space which encourages conversation. It may be a good idea to face the sofa away from the living area, or substitute the missing walls with book cases, plants or other tall objects or statement pieces.Whatever her intention for the project, she must have a clear picture in her mind so that she is confident, and knows exactly how she wants the final result to look. Thirdly, Debbie should add security to her modern open plan kitchen with sleek and space-saving patio doors. They’re energy-efficient and secure, fitted with a Yale kitemarked 3 star cylinder lock.But perhaps composite doors are more her style? A new composite door will allow her to create a space which seamlessly transitions from the outdoor patio to the cosy living room. Luckily, Apply for Grants offer access to some of the best home improvements involving state-of-the-art products which combine smooth, effortless operation with superior performance and exquisite design to enhance any lifestyle and living space. How Will New Windows Benefit My Open Plan Home Renovations? New windows are one of the best home improvements, and are extremely beneficial in an open plan design. A popular statement piece is a large uPVC folding sliding window above the kitchen sink – windows in the kitchen area are mostly there for ventilation and aesthetic purposes. They can easily improve the appearance of your space while providing good visibility, fresh air and temperature control. Aside from the standard window above the sink, there are many other popular styles of window to incorporate in your kitchen design. Consider a floor to ceiling style window – they are one of the best home improvements – extremely modern, whilst creating a natural, outdoor atmosphere and providing extreme weather resistance. In order to achieve an effective open plan kitchen design, Debbie must ensure that she has a clear vision and plan in mind even prior to receiving quotes from home renovation contractors. There are many advantages to this style of contemporary home renovations, so it’s important to be as accurate as possible during the planning process to achieve maximum results.

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Top 3 Double Glazing Window Companies

Leave a Comment / Window, Double glaze, Glass / Admin

Future Renovations UK is rated as ‘Excellent’ on Trust Pilot Research has proven that new double glazed, energy efficient doors and windows could reduce your carbon footprint, and could save you up to £600 on your energy bills! Complete the form above for new double glazing window quotes! Double glazed windows and doors will make such a huge difference to your home, leaving it feeling extra warm and secure. A recent survey illustrates that 51% of people had double glazing installed to improve the thermal insulation of their home. The main component of a double glazed window is the sealed unit, made up of two panels of glass with insulated thermal argon-gas placed between each pane. This is then placed inside a frame of uPVC, aluminium or wood. Double glazing is an option for many popular products, such as composite doors, patio doors, casement windows and bay windows. Casement windows are the most versatile style with a huge variety available to help personalise to your home. Let’s take a look at some of the key advantages of double glazed doors. Better Thermal Insulation Double glazing was developed to keep the warm air in and the cold air out much more efficiently than single glazing ever could. The extra layer of glass provides an effective barrier and keeps your property feeling much more insulated. Due to the thermal values of double glazing, you can expect to save money on your energy bills during the winter months. Noise Reduction The extra layer of glass is also there to block out the unwanted noise surrounding your home. Noisy neighbourhoods or loud cars on a main road will no longer be a problem, as double glazing will create a serene and peaceful environment for you and your family. Increased Security Double glazing provides protection for you and your home. The extra layer of glass makes a huge difference as they are much harder to break. They are also very difficult to force open from the outside. For complete peace of mind you can increase the level of your security by choosing laminated or toughened glass. A double glazing installation gives you complete peace of mind. Easy Maintenance You should clean your windows every day and will be enough to prevent any discolouration and build-up of dust. One of the key benefits of double glazed windows is that they require little upkeep to keep them in good condition. Aesthetics Double glazing will always improve the look of your property. Due to today’s technology, all profiles can be fitted with double glazed windows and doors, without changing on the previous look and feel of your house. Improving the aesthetic, security and thermal efficiency of your home with double or triple glazing can potentially lead to a higher selling price The amount of double glazing companies available in the UK can be overwhelming; it may be difficult to choose the right one. Luckily we have combined reviews with customer satisfaction statistics to advise you on the best companies around! Top Three Double Glazing Window Companies DOUBLE GLAZING COMPANY BEST FOR TRUST PILOT RATING FUTURE RENOVATIONS UK Quality Of Windows & Doors 81% EVEREST WINDOWS Warranty Period 80% ANGLIAN HOME IMPROVEMENTS Customer Satisfaction 58% Future Renovations UK Rated as ‘excellent’ on Trust pilot, Future Renovations UK is considered the number one home improvement and double glazing company within the UK. This family run business is recognised for exceptional quality double glazed windows and a high standard of customer service. Specialising in the design, manufacture and distribution of bespoke doors and windows, Future Renovations UK have been transforming homes for over 27 years. All products come with an extensive 10 year guarantee for complete peace of mind. Anglian Home Improvements Anglian Home Improvements exceed in customer satisfaction. Providing a range of home improvement services, this company is very reputable, providing excellent customer service from the start of the process to finish. Everest Windows Similar to Future Renovations UK, Everest windows are recognised for their 10 year warranty on all windows. They also offer a guarantee against condensation on certain windows. Everest also offers a lifetime guarantee for flaking and discolouration of their uPVC windows. National Company Breakdown Future Renovations UK Future Renovations UK is a family run door and window business – their knowledgeable and professional team offer expertise covering the entire renovation process. All of their products are designed and manufactured with state of the art technology to ensure maximum home security, thermal efficiency and weather resistance. Completely customizable to match your personal preference – Future Renovations offer a wide range of beautiful designs, colours and styles. The range of products include premium windows, doors, conservatories, porch refurbishment, porch doors, canopies, extensions, loft conversions, driveways, decking, driveways, roof line products and garage roofs and doors. The Service Once you have submitted your quote, one of the friendly customer service representatives will make contact to discuss your requirements. When your home needs are established, an appointment will be agreed on and set for your technical survey. This will be followed by a visit from one of their trained technical door/window surveyors. Trust pilot reviews state that the surveyors are polite and courteous. They will confirm your door and window measurements and make a note of any important details for the final installation. The reviews suggest that the installation is timely and efficient and also that the fitters are friendly and tidy up after themselves once the work is complete. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Future Renovations UK are committed to manufacturing energy-efficient doors and windows which are made up of 100% sustainable materials, to help mitigate the effects of global climate change. All Future products are double or triple glazed with insulated argon gas inserted between each panel of glass to achieve maximum thermal and energy efficiency. Future Renovations provide A++ rated products with an incredibly low U value; this is demonstrated the most within their trilogy triple glazing range. Customer Reviews Customers have awarded Future Renovations UK top

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Sustainability Developments In The uPVC Windows and Doors Market

Leave a Comment / Door, Sustainability, Window / Admin

Sustainable uPVC windows and doors are fundamental to achieving an energy-efficient, eco-friendly lifestyle. The more homeowners that can adapt to a green way of living, the more likely it is that we will not only mitigate the devastating effects of global climate change and meet the government’s target of zero carbon emissions by 2050. If you’re starting a home renovation project, then it is likely that you will be collecting double glazing quotes. Your chosen double glazing installer will present you with the available materials, styles and configurations of your new uPVC windows and doors. Following on the success of the Green Homes Grants in 2021 and recent energy efficiency announcements from the UK government, the installation of sustainability and eco-friendly windows and doors are more popular than ever before. Many uPVC windows and doors are designed and manufactured with sustainable materials whilst achieving strength, thermal efficiency and weather resistance. It was once believed that uPVC windows didn’t hold eco-friendly properties, but developments in the industry and new innovative recycling technology mean that uPVC is now an extremely sustainable window material for homeowners and tradespeople alike. With modernized uPVC windows, there really is no need to worry when retrieving double glazing quotes, as they retain their sustainability properties with ease. Is uPVC Recyclable? uPVC is extremely strong, durable and lightweight. Its thermoplastic structure means that it is very recyclable due to the fact that it can easy be melted, reshaped and therefore reused for something else. uPVC is 80%-100% recyclable without losing its efficiency or style. You will also discover that they are extremely cost effectively when collection uPVC double glazing quotes from different companies. Is there is a difference between PVC and uPVC Windows and Doors? uPVC stands for Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride and is rather self-explanatory as it does not contain plasticizers which would usually make PVC flexible. Due to the removal of the plasticizers, uPVC is extremely rigid, making it the perfect window or door material. If PVC was used as opposed to uPVC, the material wouldn’t be long wearing and susceptible to weather damage. The way that uPVC is manufactured allows it to be secure and robust with energy efficient qualities. What Is The Life Expectancy Of uPVC Window and Doors? Aside from the sustainability and energy efficiency properties of a uPVC window, it is also important that any window is made to last. This prevents the homeowner from replacing them often and collecting other uPVC double glazing quotes. uPVC new windows and double glazed doors are recognised for providing high thermal values, security and weather resistance, whilst being very low maintenance. This material with double or triple glazed windows placed in between is set to last around 20-30 years, meaning that it is a very energy-efficient product. New Sustainability Features In uPVC Windows and Doors There are many different designs of uPVC windows and doors which offer sustainable properties. Casement windows and tilt and turn windows incorporate a built in recyclable material into the Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride frames. uPVC sliding sash windows are made from 100% recycled plastic! The majority of these windows are made from recycled uPVC which has been re-formed. Due to the new developments within the new window and double glazed door sustainability sector, there are many companies who supply bespoke, sustainable windows and doors – trying to make the world a much more eco-friendly energy efficient place. Did You Know? uPVC can now be recycled and repurposed up to a 10 times without the material breaking down or losing its quality? Neither uPVC or PVC is biodegradable, but because it is recyclable. It can be reshaped and therefore reused for other purposes. uPVC is one of the most popular materials for window and home installation. Millions of uPVC double glazing quotes are providing by companies every year. Energy Efficiency Not only are uPVC windows and doors materials sustainable. Some are also ‘A’ rated for maximum thermal efficiency. This is because they are a manufactured using high quality profiles which are implemented to provide superior insulation. These windows will provide maximum heat retention and reduced heat loss! Team this with double glazing and enjoy a draught free, warm home. Many homeowners choose to look for uPVC double glazing quotes as they are recognised as the ultimate energy efficient solution. They will reduce their energy bills and cut down on their carbon emissions. In conclusion, uPVC has always been an incredibly popular material for new windows and double glazed doors. However, with sustainability and eco-friendly products centre stage; this has ultimately pushed the popularity of uPVC windows and doors even further! As a result of this, uPVC windows and doors are in demand more than ever before, creating secure, energy efficient homes all over the globe.

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5% Vat Scrapped On Solar Panel Technology, Insulation, Heating Systems!

Leave a Comment / Grants, Energy Saving, Solar Panel, Sustainability / Admin

Apart from most famous solar panel, there are many ways to create an energy efficient home, reduce your carbon footprint and lower your energy bills. According to the Energy Savings Trust a huge 22% of the UK’s carbon emissions are generated just from our homes! There are many small, easy changes that we can make to reduce our energy consumption, such as reducing the time we spend in the shower, hanging our clothes out as opposed to using the tumble dryer or turning our televisions off rather than leaving on standby. However, new energy saving appliances can be expensive. Solar panel technology, insulation; heat pumps; thermal energy stores; micro-combined heat; energy efficient kitchen items are just a few of the solutions available for saving energy within the home. By changing our lifestyles and adapting to energy-efficient habits, we can help to mitigate the devastating effects of global climate change once and for all. The UK government are continuously providing grants for windows and doors and introducing new schemes to help transform the way we live. The UK government have set a target reach 0% carbon emissions, this means that we will be required to reduce the energy usage within our home over the next 30 years! If we’re going to reach this target, we have no choice to act now. In 2021 the government famously introduced the ‘Green Homes Grant’, one of the grants for windows and doors to cover the cost of energy efficient home improvements such as a low carbon heat pump, under floor insulation, a bio mass boiler and cavity wall insulation. This scheme has now been scrapped due to the long delays with the grants for windows and doors, which was most likely an effect of the pandemic. Currently, there are no home improvement government grants available, but there are many businesses which are willing to provide contributions for eligible homeowners. The government recently announced reduced tax on eco- efficient items such as a solar panel and a heat pump from 5% to zero from April 2022. The VAT relief will be reduced on all energy efficient home improvement items. The key purpose of this scheme is to reduce carbon emissions, however the government is aware that energy costs within the home are rising and that the installation of energy efficient appliances will make a huge difference to residential bills. This generous 5% or below reduction of VAT is an effect of the new freedoms caused by BREXIT. The scheme is set to be extremely accessible due to additional technologies and the removal of most eligibility checks and conditions for the grants for windows. That is not all, the government is also set to increase the offering further by providing a zero rate on the installation of ESM’s. This means that a family home could save up to £1,000 on solar panels, followed by an annual reduction of utility bills. Products Available In The Scheme Solar Panel Technology The installation of solar panel technology can be expensive at first, but they are incredibly popular solution when maximising the energy efficiency within your home. A solar panel will convert energy from the sun into electricity. A reduced electric bill; insurance against energy rising costs; energy independence; an eco-friendly affordable power source are just some of the advantages of solar panel technology. Heat Pumps A heat pump is just as eco-friendly as solar panel technology. Eco-friendly appliances as it transforms low temperature heat into high temperature heat through a small amount of electricity and pressure techniques. A heat pump captures the heat from the outside and transfers it into your home. The heat pump is powered by electricity, however the amount of heat which is generated is much more than the amount of electricity which is needed to generate the heat. The installation of a heat pump offers low running costs, low maintenance, reduced carbon footprint and a long life span. Insulation Insulation is an energy efficient home solution used to protect your home. The primary purpose is to effectively stop heat from escaping or entering a property. Many homeowners choose cavity wall insulation, which can be placed between the walls of your home by a qualified professional. The benefits of installation can be experienced almost instantaneously – some of the advantages include reduction of energy costs, prevention of moisture and a huge enhancement of your home’s thermal performance. Be sure to take advantage 5% reduction of VAT on materials to help you save energy in 2022. Need more help with your home renovation? We are providing generous home improvement grants and contributions for eligible homeowners, check how much you could receive today! APPLY FOR GRANTS NOW

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Governing Rules and Procedures On New Home Planning Policies

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The planning bill was introduced on May 11th 2021. The bill presents many key pieces of information such as detailed overviews of local areas to effectively provide more clarification on the design of specific developments permitted in different places. The main purpose of the new home planning policies was to considerably reduce the time that is currently needed for housing developments to gain permission from the planning system. It was recognised that the existing systems were too expensive. The new bill would follow a much more predictable and transparent nature, helping to replace existing procedures with new home planning policies and affordable infrastructure. Not to mention that the overall framework was set to be rewritten, so that local cooperation’s could be more involved in ensuring that different areas had access to particular delivery vehicles in order to support the growth and renovation of the local area. Many of us have been awaiting the planning reform publication from the UK government. The details were supposed to be released during this spring, but research illustrates that this information has now been dropped due to circumstances which has not yet been confirmed. Homeowners, tradespeople and renovation companies alike were awaiting the highly anticipated planning reforms. Now the government bill has been scrapped, arguably many pieces of key information have been left unclear. It is reported that the government will now deliver their proposal on new home planning policies as part of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill towards the end of spring while they level of the legislation of this year. It was originally decided that the planning reforms announced two years ago would immediately change requirements of the applications for planning permissions. However, due to unexpected, controversial developments a new planning bill was announced. What’s The Latest With New Home Planning Reforms? It has been widely documented that some of the proposed new home planning reforms were criticized; this new planning bill was set to amend previous mistakes and fix those issues. One of the controversial plans brought forward to ultimately disrupt the previous planning reform proposal, was a traffic light system of zone planning. This would have provided the communities involved with growth, a complete transformation or fixed protection. This wasn’t followed through as MP’s feared this may stop communities from having any power over restricting the housing development within their area. This could have not only affected the living standards within the area, but most importantly the happiness of the residents within the area. Another proposal which was condemned was a new introduced target of building 300,000 homes a year. What’s Next? Now that the New Home Planning Bill was reportedly dropped, many are still awaiting a response to their concerns regarding the new home planning policies. However, the responses will most likely be addressed announced during a planning update in the spring. Despite the planning bill being dropped, this update is set to provide detail on the new home planning policies and procedures to effectively create contemporary and purposeful planning systems which will really make a difference and provide support on helping the country to achieve beautiful, environmentally friendly developments. Which New Home Planning Policies Could Still Be Announced? It is unclear which new home planning re-forms will definitely be considered now that the planning bill is no longer going ahead. The next update could provide some clarification, potentially presented information on the following requests: A Digital Planning System: This is self-explanatory. Designed to efficiently speed up processes and result in residents being more involved and updated with their planning application. This solution has been suggested, due to the 3% of local people who do not currently engage with their applications. Abolishing Section 106: This is a simple change involving the agreement between an application for new home planning permission and the local planning authority. This will be set nationally rather than locally with the intention of allowing local residents to have more control over the local area. Brownfield Site Investments: The government is also set to invest in urban landscape transformations. This will mean that new homes are put on neglected brown field sites. It’s also important to remember that many of the government grants for home improvements have been abolished. However, there are many grants for windows and doors available from home renovation companies. Particular housing issues are set to be addressed in the substitute spring planning update in spring. However, the delays to the planning new home planning policies will expectedly create uproar and confusion among those who wish to start new developments to improve their homes and lifestyles.

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