When you are thinking of making your home more sustainable, you might not realize just how much this could cost you, with many of the top sustainable improvements coming in at hundreds or thousands of dollars. If you cannot afford these extreme fees, here is how a grant could help you cover the costs and get the financial coverage you need.
What are the benefits of a grant?
The main benefit of getting a grant for your eco-friendly home upgrades is that you will not have to pay for these out of your own pocket. Even if they do not cover the entire cost of your improvements, they can help bolster your finances and ensure you can afford the projects that you have in mind. This will stop you from falling into debt to become more sustainable and can encourage more people to make changes to their homes that can reduce their energy usage and carbon footprint. Not only this but some of these grants have been created solely with those on benefits in mind, meaning that you do not have to be less eco-conscious just because you have less money or are unable to work.
How can you get a grant?
To get a grant, all you need to do is find a provider. For instance, if you are based in the UK, you might be able to apply for an ECO4 grant through Eco Providers. This company can process your application if you are eligible and will then survey your home, assess it, and install the necessary updates. This will leave you with an eco-friendly and comfortable home that has modern amenities. This process is relatively simple and can take the stress out of applying for a grant away from you.
If you are in the US, there are also many incentives that could be worth looking at, such as federal income tax credits and clean energy tax credits. However, the number of incentives differs according to which state you live in, so you will need to see whether these grants and incentives are operational within the state where your house is located.
What changes should you make with your grant?
One of the best changes that you can make is to improve your attic insulation. This can stop heat from escaping your home, which can save you money and mean that you need to use less heating in your abode during the winter months.
You should also consider installing electric storage heaters that can help to keep your home warm and toasty while using less gas, a finite resource. These can also help you to heat up specific areas of your home, can distribute heat around your room evenly, and can also use off-peak electricity, which is cheaper.
What other ways can you save energy cheaply?
If you are looking for other ways that can help you protect the environment on a budget, though, you should consider switching out the light bulbs in your home for energy-saving alternatives. The same goes for your shower head. You should also consider using less energy, particularly by turning down your heating during the winter months. It is also important to check your thermostat and put it on a timer so that it does not produce energy when you do not get the benefits of it.
