Council to host event on heating scheme

These installers would be required to carry out energy efficiency and heating system works.

The scheme is being delivered in partnership with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) and the Department for Social Development.

It offers a package of energy efficiency and heating measures tailored to eligible households.

Residents may be eligible if they are an owner-occupier or householder of a privately rented property and the annual gross household income is less than £20,000.

Alderman Allan Ewart, Chairman of the Council’s Development Committee said: “To deliver the Scheme the council is looking to partner a network of qualified installers who can complete the required energy efficiency or heating measures in identified eligible properties.

“Householders can avail of energy efficiency measures such as cavity and solid wall insulation, loft insulation, draught proofing, boiler and radiator replacement, window replacement and repair or the conversion and installation of a heating system following the completion of a survey by council and NIHE officers.”

He concluded: “These measures can result in cost savings for the householders and the council wishes to work closely with locally based installers to ensure that eligible homes avail of this scheme and reduce the percentage of fuel poor homes in the area.”

Around half of the heat loss in a typical home is through the walls and loft, resulting in increased heating costs to maintain an ambient temperature.

Heat loss can be reduced through energy efficient measures such as loft insulation. By insulating the loft, the energy bills of the property could be reduced by up to £150 per year.

The deeper the thickness of insulation the greater the saving will be and the Council’s Building Control Unit recommends that a minimum depth of 270mm of quilt loft insulation be used.

If you are an installer and wish to attend the information event, contact the Council on 028 9244 7546.

If you are a householder and would like more information contact the Affordable Warmth Team on 028 9244 7557.