and get yourself in debt for a long time...
Householders are to be offered long-term loans to help make their homes more energy efficient and cut bills under a new government scheme.
Ministers said the Green Deal, to run in England, Wales and Scotland, will help thousands "stay warm for less".
Under the scheme, households can use loans to spend on energy-saving improvements, such as insulation and new boilers, with no upfront cost.
Campaigners said the project would "not stop fuel poverty rocketing".
How it works
The move to insulate the UK's aged housing stock is designed to save carbon emissions, keep people warm, and make energy affordable.
Homeowners will first be visited by an assessor, who will ask some basic questions about their energy usage.
Approved Green Deal installers, such as energy companies or DIY chains, will then advise on potential improvements, such as double-glazing, insulation or new heating systems.
Consumers will pay for the improvements by taking out a loan with the Green Deal Finance Company, a non-profit making organisation backed by the government.
Such loans will be paid back through electricity bills for periods of up to 25 years.
There is no guarantee that the eventual savings made by consumers will match the cost of the loans they take out to make the improvements.
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Customers will ask themselves, is the price too high? Could they get a better deal elsewhere??
Richard Lloyd
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"However, there's a good chance that you will make savings," said Paul Reeve, of the Electrical Contractors' Association.
Mr Reeve said it was possible, but unlikely, that consumers could end up out of pocket.
"Many of us believe that energy prices will continue to rise over the coming years. If that's true, people who've taken on the Green Deal will generally feel a lot better off," he explained.
BBC News - 'Energy efficiency' Green Deal launched by government
I'd be worried about the length of time and the interest rate. I could see the government hiking it sometime down the road when they think people have forgotten.
Householders are to be offered long-term loans to help make their homes more energy efficient and cut bills under a new government scheme.
Ministers said the Green Deal, to run in England, Wales and Scotland, will help thousands "stay warm for less".
Under the scheme, households can use loans to spend on energy-saving improvements, such as insulation and new boilers, with no upfront cost.
Campaigners said the project would "not stop fuel poverty rocketing".
How it works
The move to insulate the UK's aged housing stock is designed to save carbon emissions, keep people warm, and make energy affordable.
Homeowners will first be visited by an assessor, who will ask some basic questions about their energy usage.
Approved Green Deal installers, such as energy companies or DIY chains, will then advise on potential improvements, such as double-glazing, insulation or new heating systems.
Consumers will pay for the improvements by taking out a loan with the Green Deal Finance Company, a non-profit making organisation backed by the government.
Such loans will be paid back through electricity bills for periods of up to 25 years.
There is no guarantee that the eventual savings made by consumers will match the cost of the loans they take out to make the improvements.
Continue reading the main story
?
Start Quote
Customers will ask themselves, is the price too high? Could they get a better deal elsewhere??
Richard Lloyd
Which?
"However, there's a good chance that you will make savings," said Paul Reeve, of the Electrical Contractors' Association.
Mr Reeve said it was possible, but unlikely, that consumers could end up out of pocket.
"Many of us believe that energy prices will continue to rise over the coming years. If that's true, people who've taken on the Green Deal will generally feel a lot better off," he explained.
BBC News - 'Energy efficiency' Green Deal launched by government
I'd be worried about the length of time and the interest rate. I could see the government hiking it sometime down the road when they think people have forgotten.
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