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Deciding how to get started
If you’re looking for simple, no-cost or low-cost steps to save energy and money and cut your carbon emissions, come to our advice hub. You’ll find it at Martlesham Parish Room (next to the Community Hall) every month on the second Saturday between 10:00 and 12:00.
Pop in for advice or a chat on issues around climate change and how you can do your bit to slow down the changes we are all starting to experience.
You can also take away advice sheets provided by Groundwork East – a federation of charities taking action on poverty and the environment across the East of England.
Working out your next steps
The local people who staff the hub also offer help beyond the basics.
Some have installed solar panels, swapped their boilers for heat pumps and/or have traded their petrol- and diesel-engined cars in for all-electric models.
Using their experience, they can help you understand what changes like these involve – the costs, the savings and the practicalities of living with greener technologies.
Covering the costs
From time to time, the Government has offered every home owner a contribution to the cost of switching to greener technology.
You can get £7,500 towards the installation of a heat pump provided you own your property, the efficiency of the new device meets specified standards and you have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) that rates your property as grade C or better.
Additional help is available if you:
- earn less than £30,000 a year
- and/or currently receiving benefits (or think you may be eligible)
- and live in a home with a low energy rating.
You might also be able to get help with the costs of cavity, loft and external insulation, the installation of solar panels and/or switching from a gas boiler to a more efficient heat pump.
The scheme, available to homeowners, those renting and landlords, also offers advice on reducing energy bills and usage and on benefits available to help people keep their homes warm.
For more information on the Warm Homes Suffolk – The Warm Feeling Fund, click here or call 03456 037 686. Lines are open Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm.