Making sure your home is warm might not be top of your to-do list this summer - but it’s actually the best time to get ahead with improvements for the winter. 

Replacing your boiler, topping up insulation, draught-proofing or putting in new double glazed windows are cost-effective ways of keeping your home toasty throughout the colder months of the year – and borough residents could benefit from funding support.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, in partnership with YES Energy Solutions, offers a renewable energy scheme through the Warm Homes Fund (WHF) to help people who live in homes without central heating. 
Householders in rural areas with no gas network and on a low income are invited to apply for free central heating installation.

One of the systems on offer is powered by an air source heat pump – a renewable technology that converts the heat from the air outside to use in radiators and a hot water tank in the home.

You can find out more about the Warm Homes scheme, including eligibility income thresholds, by contacting Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council on 01256 844844 or visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk/warm-homes 
Subsidised loans are also available from the borough council to help homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their property.  This can include replacement windows and doors, cavity wall and loft insulation, a new central heating boiler and solar panels or other renewable technology.

Parity Trust administers the loans on behalf of the council. More information can be found by visiting http://paritytrust.org.uk/, by calling 
02392 375921 or emailing mail@paritytrust.org.uk. It is a not-for-profit organisation regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.  

The council also offer grants for private landlords to improve the energy efficiency of a rental property.  

The council’s Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services and the Environment Cllr Hayley Eachus said: “The summer months, with longer evenings, are an excellent time to carry out improvements to make your home warmer and more energy efficient during the winter months. 
“The council offers great advice and support to householders to help reduce fuel bills and cut carbon emissions in the process.” 

For more information, contact the Climate Change Team on 01256 845315 or email climatechange@basingstoke.gov.uk