Double Glazing Grants 2014 – GDHIF Cashback Returns

The Green Deal Home Improvement Fund (GDHIF for short) is on its way back. Meaning that cashback grants for double glazing could be available again from November 2014.

Phase One of the GDHIF proved incredibly popular but closed. This was after all the money set aside had been allocated by the end of July 2014. But, very soon, more people will be able to take advantage of cashback again. They can benefit from warmer, more thermally efficient homes leading to lower fuel bills. This is thanks to an additional £100 million funding to homeowners installing various energy saving home improvements. This can include double glazing.

This was confirmed by Energy and Climate Change Secretary Edward Davey. He made the announcement at the Liberal Democrat Party Conference in Glasgow in October.

What This Means To UK Consumers

What this means is that households throughout the UK will again be eligible for free cash. Cash that can go towards a variety of energy saving home improvements including a new boiler, double glazing and wall insulation.

“More money means more people can live in warmer, greener homes sooner.” commented Mr Davey.

“Green Deal Home Improvement Fund vouchers went like hot cakes earlier in the year and now even more people can cut their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient.”

Whilst you can’t apply right now it’s only a matter of a few weeks. Whilst the exact date has yet to be announced, applications for phase two of GDHIF will open before the end of November 2014.

Further details, terms and conditions, rates and all measures to be covered will be announced in November. But, assuming it’s in line with phase one, cash back for double glazing is expected to be included.

Amber Rudd

Energy and Climate Change Minister Amber Rudd said:

“We’ve already taken £50 off energy bills. But we know that the best way for households to cut their bills is to use less energy.

“Over three quarters of a million homes have already had energy saving improvements installed as a result of the Energy Company Obligation and Green Deal schemes. And it makes sense to help even more families install measures so that they see the benefits of lower bills and a warmer home for years to come.”

The official GDHIF announcement can be read here:

www.gov.uk/government/news/an-additional-100-million-for-household-energy-efficiency

Under the previous Green Deal Home Improvement Fund initiative householders were eligible for cash back of up to £7,600 simply by carrying out eligible home improvements including replacement windows, double glazing, a new boiler and various types of home insulation.

The news that GDHIF is to make a return has been welcomed and well received. The first phase provided a much needed boost for the energy efficiency industry and the second phase is expected to result in similar impact. Everyone wins – the homeowners, Green Deal providers, installers and manufacturers … everyone except the government coffers!

As soon as we get more information will let you know. But, if you’re planning energy efficiency home improvements it may be worth hanging on for a few weeks. Double glazing grants or cash back could be back before the end of 2014.

UPDATE

Well – all good things come to an end. And that’s certainly true of the GDHIF. The Government announced in July 2015 that no further funding was to be made available. The scheme has therefore closed. There may be something new for 2016 and we will let you know as soon as we hear anything.