Energy saving improvements make buildings warmer and more affordable to heat. An example is installing loft insulation to trap warmth in the home (alongside appropriate levels of ventilation). Installing home energy saving improvements is also known as retrofit.

Renewable energy for your home includes solar PV panels, home battery storage and heat pumps.

Self-funded energy saving improvements and renewable energy

Warm Homes Plan

The government launched the Warm Homes Plan in January 2026.

We will update these pages when further detail is available from the government.

Read more about the Warm Homes Plan.

Warm Homes Loan Scheme

The Warm Homes Loan Scheme is a government-supported scheme that helps eligible homeowners and private landlords’ access more affordable finance for eligible home energy improvements.

Depending on the loan product and scheme requirements, finance may be available for improvements including:

• Heat pumps
• Solar panels
• Battery storage
• Eligible heat-network connection costs
• Certain micro-renewable technologies

Residents should check that their chosen installer is appropriately MCS certified for the technology they are installing before agreeing to any work.

Participating lenders provide the loans and remain responsible for their individual products, interest rates, repayment terms and lending decisions. Applicants must meet the relevant lender’s eligibility requirements and pass its normal affordability and credit worthiness checks. 

How to apply

Residents do not apply to the government for a Warm Homes Loan. Applications are made through participating lenders, including directly with a lender or, where available, while arranging finance through an installer, retailer or mortgage provider. The application process and information required will vary between lenders.

Before taking out a loan, you should consider the full costs, repayment terms and whether borrowing is suitable for your circumstances. The Warm Homes Loan Scheme provides access to loan finance. It is not a grant, and you will be responsible for repaying the amount borrowed in accordance with their agreement with the lender. Loan approval and eligibility cannot be guaranteed. 

Find out about eligibility, participating lenders and how to apply on the government website. 

For impartial advice, please call the following:

North Herefordshire – Marches Energy Advice: 0800 677 1307 (option 6) or email herefordshire@mea.org.uk

South Herefordshire – Severn Wye Energy Agency: 0800 500 3076 or email: communityadvice@severnwye.org.uk

Assessing your options

If you are considering making energy saving improvements to your home, perhaps alongside renewable energy, there are a number of organisations that can provide advice, to help you make informed decisions.

• Renewables - Are home renewables right for you? - Energy Saving Trust
• Energy saving improvements - Energy at home - Energy Saving Trust
• Financial support - Energy grants and financial support - Energy Saving Trust

Home assessments

The government's online service provides recommendations for home improvements that could make your property cheaper to heat and keep warm.

A number of businesses offer free online assessments of your home to identify potentially suitable options, and/or paid-for services such as home survey and analysis through to detailed plans and installations. We have listed a few here, but inclusion on this list is a not a recommendation.

• Snugg – Making Home Energy Efficiency Simple and Affordable
• Plan Your Energy Efficient Home Retrofit - Ecofurb
• Furbnow - UK's leading home energy renovation company

For advice on alternative options to improve your home’s energy efficiency and reduce your energy bills, contact Marches Energy Advice. They provide expert, impartial advice in your home and over phone or video call, available to homeowners, landlords and tenants on ways you can save money and future-proof your home.

Contact Marches Energy Advice today on 0800 677 1307 or email advice@mea.org.uk

If you live in a listed or historic building

Historic England provides information about installing heat pumps and solar panels in older buildings.

The Green Heritage Homes website has videos about making listed homes more energy efficient.

Installation

We recommend using Trustmark registered installers for your home retrofit work. TrustMark is a government endorsed quality scheme for work carried out in and around your home. TrustMark installers are backed by an insurance scheme that would cover any work that is not up to standard.

Marches Energy Advice has a database of local retrofit installers.

We recommend that any renewable energy installations are carried out by MCS certified installers.

Further information

• Net zero retrofit guide (pdf document)
• Renewable energy constraints
• Pre-application planning advice
• Low Carbon Technology Training Centre (LCTTC) - HLNSC - The primary mission at the LCTTC is to support local businesses, the construction industry, and homeowners by providing comprehensive training for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Courses are designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to install a wide range of green energy solutions.