And with new legislation on the energy performance of rental properties on the horizon, Dimplex says private landlords should be a key target for any installer looking to take advantage of the opportunities set to be created by the new scheme.
The GDHIF first opened in summer 2014 with a £120million budget but it closed within weeks after vouchers to the total budget were quickly applied for. Now DECC has announced additional funding for the scheme, which enables homeowners to claim up to £1,000 for any two energy saving improvements from a list of 12 eligible measures – including fan-assisted storage heaters, under which the Dimplex Quantum off peak heater is listed.
The scheme also offers up to £4,000 for solid wall insulation, together with up to £100 refund on the compulsory Green Deal Assessment Report and an additional £500 for those who have bought a home in the last 12 months.
Chris Stammers, marketing director at Dimplex, said, ‘The reopening of the GDHIF is a welcome boost which will support the installation of a wide range of energy saving measures, from fan assisted storage heaters and flue gas heat recovery, to floor insulation and triple glazing.
‘DECC has tightened the rules on applications to avoid a repeat of the first phase but we’re still expecting it to prove popular and nowhere more so than in the private rental sector because of legislation which is set to come into force in the coming years. Installers must be ready to take advantage of the opportunities.’
From April 2016, landlords must consider any request from tenants to improve the energy efficiency of their property and after January 2018, properties must have an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating of ‘E’ or above if they are to be rented out.
Stammers added, ‘The new legislation means energy performance will have to be a serious consideration for landlords and with more than 60 per cent of energy in the home used for heating, the efficiency of heating systems will be key.’
