Underfloor Insulation Grants Explained
- Last updated date: March 4, 2024
Underfloor Insulation Grants help to pay for energy efficiency improvements to your home. The UK government has committed to a number of energy efficient grant schemes to help it reach its Net Zero 2050 target. The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) has 1 billion worth of funding for eligible applicants, and is administered by Ofgem.
What is Underfloor Insulation?
Exploring Underfloor Insulation
If you live in an older home you may have a suspended timber floor on your ground floor. The timber floors can be lifted and underfloor insulation installed in the space between the timber and the base material (between the joists).
Newer homes will generally have a solid concrete floor, and if it needs to be replaced you can insulate your floor at that point. The best option for installing underfloor insulation is to use rigid insulation, and it can either be placed above or below the concrete base.
Types Of Underfloor Insulation Available
There are different types of underfloor insulation available, depending on whether you have suspended floors or concrete floors:
Suspended Floors – Insulation boards (polystyrene, polyurethane or cork), foam spray insulation, blanket floor insulation, and glass or rock mineral wool
Concrete Floors – Rigid foam boards, insulation slabs
Which Government Grants Cover Underfloor Insulation?
The only grants currently available for installing underfloor insulation are through the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS). The GBIS is different to the ECO4 scheme, as only a single insulation measure can be installed. There are two categories for the GBIS, the ‘general’ group and the ‘low-income’ group. For further information on the Great British Insulation Scheme you can visit our page dedicated to the scheme.
Who is eligible for an Underfloor Insulation Grant?
Who Qualifies For Underfloor Insulation Grants?
The eligibility criteria for an underfloor insulation grant is based on the Great British Insulation Scheme. This scheme provides funding support for the installation of single insulation measures (for example, underfloor insulation, cavity wall insulation and loft insulation). If you’d like further information on the Great British Insulation Scheme you can visit our dedicated page on the Energy Saving Genie website for more information.
Do I have to own my property to be eligible?
No, but if you are a private tenant or housing association tenant you will need to get your landlords consent.
Benefits of underfloor insulation
The main benefits for installing underfloor insulation are to save energy, cut your heating bills, and to reduce your carbon footprint. Underfloor insulation produces a modest saving to your annual energy bill (compared to other insulation measures), but still worth considering if you apply for a fully funded grant! According to the Energy Saving trust, your annual bill savings can be anywhere from 50 for a mid terrace house to 135 for a bungalow.
Another tangible benefit of installing underfloor insulation is a reduction in your carbon footprint. The energy saving trust estimates that cavity wall insulation saves 125 kg of CO2 per year for a Mid terrace house, and up to 300 kg of CO2 for a bungalow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding can I get for underfloor insulation?
The amount of grant funding you can get to install underfloor insulation will depend on your individual circumstances. You can use the Energy Saving Genie free grant checker to see if you’re eligible (it only takes 23 seconds!).
How much underfloor insulation do I need installed?
If you are replacing at least half a room’s flooring, you are obligated to insulate your floor to a certain thickness. A registered installer can help you to determine how thick your underfloor insulation. By using our free grant checker, you will be connected with a registered installer if you are eligible for an underfloor insulation grant.
Which underfloor insulation is best?
It depends on the type of floor you have (suspended floor or concrete floor). If you are eligible for a free grant, a registered installer can determine the best options for your energy efficiency requirements.
How can I access free underfloor insulation grants?
The Great British Insulation Scheme provides grants for eligible applicants. You can check your eligibility for the scheme using our free grant checker.
