Energy efficiency

We also offer advice and information on renewable technologies, choosing more energy efficient appliances and changing behaviour to reduce energy bills.

For more information visit Cosy Homes in Lancashire.

Home Upgrade Grant

The Government's 'Home Upgrade Grant' is now available to Preston residents.

The grant amount is dependent on the EPC rating of your property and how it is currently heated but can be up worth up to £25,000 and eligible measures are free for owner-occupiers.

This means that you could get your home winter-ready, and the 'Cosy Homes in Lancashire' initiative will pick up the bill to help you get warmer, and stay warmer in future for less money. 

Greener Homes. Warmer Homes.

What is a Home Upgrade Grant (HUG)?

The Home Upgrade Grant Scheme is a £2.5bn Government scheme to provide energy efficiency upgrades and low carbon heating to low-income households that do not have gas central heating.

Lancashire Authorities has received £8.7m for the first phase of the funding with the aim of reducing fuel poverty across the County.

Therefore eligible residents in Preston can now access the Cosy Homes in Lancashire - Home Upgrade Grant (CHiL) initiative.

What is the Cosy Homes in Lancashire (CHiL) initiative?

Cosy Homes in Lancashire (CHiL) is an Affordable Warmth initiative established by the 15 Local Authorities in Lancashire.

CHiL has a centralised hub, managed by Rhea Projects Ltd who operate the scheme on behalf of all Lancashire Local Authorities.

Visit Cosy Homes in Lancashire

How much is the grant?

If you are a homeowner you may be entitled to receive a grant of up to £25,000 towards eligible measures to improve the energy efficiency of your property.

Preston City Council as part of CHiL, want to help you make your home greener and therefore better for the environment but importantly, warmer.

The energy efficiency measures should also make it cheaper to heat your home in future too.

What improvements can you get with the grant?

If you and your property are eligible, the following energy efficient measures may be covered by the grant:

• Insulation (solid wall insulation, loft insulation, room in roof insulation and underfloor)
• Renewable heating technologies such as Air Source Heat Pumps
• Energy efficient external doors and window upgrades (single glazed to double glazed)
• Solar PV

Might you be eligible for the grant?

You may be eligible if:

• Your property has a low Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of band D, E, F or G
• Your property doe not have gas central heating installed
• You own the home (including shared ownership and park homes on residential sites)
• You have a household income of less than £30,000 or are in receipt of any benefits
• You are a residential landlord in the private sector

What happens if you live in rented accommodation?

The grant is available to landlords in order to help them upgrade the property you are living in, thereby making the property greener and warmer. Ultimately it will increase the value of the property.

A maximum grant of £5,000 is available to Landlords and a contribution will be required in all instances.

We are encouraging all our residents who are struggling to heat their home in winter, to speak to their Landlord today and tell them about the grant.

How do you find the energy efficiency rating for your home?

There's a handy website tool at GOV.UK - Find an Energy Certificate which will help you find out the EPC rating for your property. If your property has never had an EPC survey then we can do this through the scheme. The CHiL's friendly team can also help you with this.

How do you know the scheme is legitimate?

The scheme will be delivered under the CHiL initiative, with the support of Preston City Council. All work undertaken will be in accordance with current Government Retrofit standards (PAS 2035.2019) and will be carried out by Trustmark-registered installers for your peace of mind.

When does the scheme end?

The scheme runs until 30 March 2023, although future funding rounds are expected.

You must act fast to find out if you're eligible or you may miss out.

How do you apply?

You can apply online by visiting Cosy Homes in Lancashire, or call their local rate number (03306 061 488) so they can establish your eligibility and explain the process to you.

Surveys will be carried out and no cost to you and by one of the expert Council-approved energy and heating specialists.

Following the survey, recommendations will be made to you about the most suitable energy efficiency improvements for your home to improve the thermal comfort and save you money on future energy bills.

Visit Cosy Homes in Lancashire

Boiler efficiency database

Information relating to boiler efficiency including the Seasonal Efficiency of Domestic Boilers in the UK (SEDBUK) ratings is available on the Boiler Efficiency Database website.

Heating and hot water (central heating)

The Heating and Hot Water Industry Council website will help you get the best from your central heating system. It offers advice on what to do when it goes wrong and provides you with contact details of manufacturers of boilers and other components, as well as installers in your area. They can provide you with sound advice and a professional service when you need it.

Renewable energy

Renewable energy comes from sources which will not run out, for example the wind or the sun. It is clean energy which does not produce harmful greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide which contribute to climate change.

There is a variety of different renewable technologies available to homeowners. However, if you are considering installing a system you should be aware that depending on your house location some systems may not be suitable.

It is also important to ensure your home is very well insulated before considering these technologies.

Types of renewable energy

• Wind energy
• Solar hot water heating (also called solar thermal)
• Solar electricity (Photovoltaic Panels)
• Ground or air source heat pumps
• Biomass and biofuels
• Hydro

Get paid to generate renewable energy

• Feed-in Tariffs (FITs)
• Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) 

For further information about possible grants and funding please visit Cosy Homes in Lancashire.

Summary of energy efficiency actions taken to improve housing

The Home Energy Conservation Act requires all local authorities to make a declaration every two years summarising the actions they are taking or supporting to improve the energy efficiency of housing within their area. You can view the returns submitted by Preston City Council below.

Home Energy Conservation Act Report Questionnaire May 2021 (PDF) [129KB]