Almost three years ago in May 2010 the newly formed Coalition Government drew up a plan to tackle the badly aging, inefficient homes across the United Kingdom. Today, after years of development ‘The Green Deal’ has been launched.
Operating in both England and Wales Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said of the scheme: "The Green Deal will help thousands of homes stay warm for less. Those people will benefit from energy saving improvements - and their energy bills will fall."
How it works. Below is a handy guide to the Green Deal process.
- Your property will first be visited by a Green Deal Assessor who will make an assessment of the property summarised in a Green Deal Advice Report. This will recommend which, if any, energy saving improvements would aid the property.
- Approved Green Deal installers will then issue a quote for planned improvements, which will then be installed once all is agreed upon.
- Consumers will then pay for the improvements made by taking out a loan with the Green Deal Finance Company, which will be paid back through electricity bills.
If you require any more information on taking advantage of the Green Deal then please get in contact with us, we’re happy to help.
Just as we forecast in last week’s blog post: Snow has arrived in the UK! Almost all the country has seen snow in the past week, with some places getting substantially more than others. Snow would not begin to fall if it were not cold enough, and it has certainly been cold enough. On the subject of cold we thought we’d use this blog to share some tips for a warmer home.
- Check for Draughts. Draughts can really lower the temperature of your home, losing you heat and money. Walk around your home and check all windows and doors for draughts.
- Use your curtains. Opening curtains in the day will allow the suns warmth to enter your home. Closing them at dusk will ensure it doesn’t escape.
- Invest in helpful devices. A roll of rubber draught excluder will be no more than £10 at a local hardware store. Radiator insulation foil to stop heat entering the wall will be £15. There are many products out there that will cost you little and save you lots.
So stay warm this winter and save money on heating bills.
We may not have had a White Christmas last year but it looks like the snow is on its way after all. Snow can be great fun, but look past the snowball fights, snowmen and potential days off and it can be a real nuisance. Listed below are some things to consider when news of inbound snow begins to break.
Ensure your Heating is Working
If it’s snowing it’s going to be pretty nippy outside and in. The last thing you want when snow starts to fall is a failing heating system. Check to ensure that all aspects of your heating are functioning and healthy. If you have any concerns then don’t hesitate to contact your landlord.
Ensure all Guttering is Clear
Blocked or full gutters make it even easier for snow to gather. The stress that the weight of the collected snow will place upon the guttering may be enough to cause damage. It’s a good idea to ensure your gutters are clear throughout the year but is especially important when snow is forecast to fall.
Clear Snow
The Met Office offers some great advice on the removal of built up snow: “It's easier to move fresh, loose snow rather than hard snow that has packed together from people walking on it. So if possible, start removing the snow and ice in the morning. If you remove the top layer of snow in the morning, any sunshine during the day will help melt any ice beneath”
So enjoy the snow if it does begin to fall but be sure to ensure your property is as ready for it as you are.
It’s our first post of the New Year! Happy New Year readers! We hope that 2012 was a great year for all our readers, with 2013 proving even better!
2012 was certainly a good year for UK based residential landlords on the whole. Recently released figures show that advertised rental prices increased by an average of 1.9% across Great Britain last year. This increase meant that the average monthly rent hit almost £1,000, rising by £37 per month from previous figures.
This is certainly promising reading for those involved with the UK rental market. Let’s hope the news of the coming year comes from the same vein as this. Don’t forget to check back here weekly and once again: Happy New Year!
