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Your Comprehensive Guide to Insulation Grants NI (2025)
- Insulation grants in Northern Ireland (NI) prioritise low-income households (under £23,000), older homes with poor insulation, and vulnerable residents, such as the elderly or families with young children.
- Grants cover many insulation upgrades, including loft, cavity wall, and solid wall insulation.
- Eligibility varies by provider. Some grants target low-income households, while others, like NISEP, are open to wider groups.
Insulating your home is one of the smartest steps to save money and stay warm. With several NI grant schemes available in 2025, this guide provides everything you need to know about the grants, eligibility, insulation options, and how to apply.
Ready to make your home warmer, cosier, and more energy-efficient? Let us help you take the first step. We’ll connect you with up to 3 free quotes from trusted local installers. There’s no need to stress or navigate the process alone—simply fill out our quick form, and we’ll handle everything from there. Click below now!
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Which insulation grants can you access in Northern Ireland?
Several insulation grant schemes and providers in NI can help you improve your energy efficiency and reduce heating costs through home insulation. Below is a comprehensive list of the schemes available in 2025, along with descriptions of each:
- Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme (NISEP): NISEP supports various schemes to improve home energy efficiency. It grants loft and cavity wall insulation grants to reduce heat loss and lower energy bills. This program is available to homeowners and private tenants and is delivered through energy providers and approved contractors.
- Affordable Warmth Scheme: This scheme is designed to help low-income households tackle fuel poverty. It provides grants for energy-saving improvements, including loft and cavity wall insulation. Local councils manage the Scheme in partnership with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE).
- Clever Insulation Grants: Clever Insulation offers grants for fully funded loft and cavity wall insulation as part of collaborating with schemes like the Affordable Warmth Scheme. They simplify the process by handling assessments, paperwork, and installations to ensure homeowners benefit from better energy efficiency.
- Home Energy Savings Programme by Homeseal NI: Homeseal NI provides grants for various insulation improvements, including loft insulation grants, cavity wall insulation grants, and underfloor insulation grants. The program is designed to improve home energy efficiency while reducing heating costs. It tailors its offerings to the specific needs of each property.
- Refresh NI Insulation Grants: Refresh NI offers grants under the NISEP to help households improve energy efficiency through loft and cavity wall insulation. They focus on making insulation accessible and effective for all homeowners, with particular attention to properties built before 1990 that may lack proper insulation.
Who is eligible for insulation grants in Northern Ireland
Eligibility criteria for insulation grants in NI vary depending on the scheme or provider. Let’s explore who qualifies for these grants, how eligibility differs for homeowners and renters, and whether the criteria remain consistent across different providers.
- Income level: Many schemes, such as the Affordable Warmth Scheme, target low-income households. Specific income thresholds (e.g., less than £23,000 per year) may apply.
- Property ownership: You must own your home or rent from a private landlord. Social housing tenants typically don’t qualify for these grants, as insulation improvements in these properties are managed by housing authorities.
- Property type and age: Older homes, particularly those built before 1990, are often prioritised because they are more likely to lack proper insulation.
- Energy efficiency rating: Homes with poor energy efficiency ratings (e.g., Energy Performance Certificate [EPC] ratings of D or below) are often eligible.
- Existing insulation: Grants typically apply to homes with little or no insulation, making them more effective in reducing energy loss.
- Vulnerability: Households with vulnerable residents, such as elderly individuals, families with young children, or those with health conditions affected by the cold, may be given priority.
Homeowners vs. renters: Does eligibility differ?
Eligibility criteria do vary slightly depending on whether you are a homeowner or a renter:
- Homeowners: Most schemes, such as the NISEP or Affordable Warmth Scheme, are accessible to homeowners, particularly those on lower incomes or with poorly insulated properties. They are often prioritised due to their ability to carry out larger energy efficiency improvements.
- Private renters: Renters can apply for many grants but typically need their landlord’s permission to proceed. In some cases, the landlord may also need to contribute to the cost of the insulation work. If you are a landlord, the insulation landlord grants may benefit you.
- Social housing tenants: These grants are generally unavailable to social housing tenants because housing associations or local councils manage insulation upgrades.
Do eligibility criteria differ across providers?
Eligibility criteria vary between schemes and providers, as each targets specific groups based on income, property type, or insulation needs. Here’s a quick breakdown of how the main programs differ:
- Affordable Warmth Scheme: This scheme targets low-income households (£23,000 income limit) and is for private homeowners and renters only.
- NISEP: Open to a broader range, with some income-based schemes and others open to all.
- Clever Insulation Grants: These are fully funded under Affordable Warmth; the same income and property criteria apply.
- Refresh NI & Homeseal NI: Focus on older homes or uninsulated properties based on energy efficiency ratings.
What insulation upgrades are available with NI grants?
Insulation upgrades in NI cater to different property types and needs, helping to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency. Below, we will highlight the available insulation types and their benefits:
- Cavity wall insulation: This involves filling the gap between cavity walls with insulating material. It helps reduce heat loss and prevents drafts. Grants for this type of insulation are available under the Affordable Warmth Scheme and NISEP.
- Solid wall insulation: Solid wall insulation can be applied externally or internally to homes with solid walls. It is particularly beneficial for retaining heat in older properties. Grant availability may require co-funding under NISEP.
- Loft insulation involves adding insulating material to the floor of the loft or attic. This type of insulation can prevent up to 25% of heat loss. Grants are available through the Affordable Warmth Scheme, Clever Grants, and Homeseal NI.
- Floor insulation: Floor insulation focuses on insulating floors, especially suspended timber floors, to reduce drafts and heat loss. Grants are available through Homeseal NI and the Affordable Warmth Scheme.
- Roof and rafter insulation: This involves insulating between or under rafters to provide extra thermal protection. It enhances heat retention and is supported by Refresh NI and NISEP grants.
How to apply for insulation grants in NI
Applying for insulation grants in NI is straightforward. Follow these simple steps:
- Check eligibility: Verify your eligibility based on income, property type, and current insulation levels. Grants like Affordable Warmth and NISEP prioritise low-income households and older homes.
- Contact a provider: Contact your local council or approved contractors to begin the process. They may request property details and income verification.
- Schedule a survey: With an insulation survey, an expert will assess your home to recommend the most suitable insulation type.
- Approval and installation: Once approved, professional installers will complete the work, often fully funded or at minimal cost.
Applying for insulation in Northern Ireland doesn’t have to be stressful. We’re here to guide you every step of the way. Fill out our quick form, and we’ll connect you with experienced and trusted local installers who can do the job right. Let us take the guesswork out of the process and receive up to 3 free quotes from trusted installers in your area. Click below now!
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