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Published: 09/03/2015

Can the RHI save you money on your utility bills

With more and more people emphasising the importance of saving energy in recent years, a number of schemes and technologies have been put in place. With technology such as MCS heat pumps, people are doing more for the environment whilst also becoming eligible for initiatives like the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), which is run by the Ofgem.

The government is trying to encourage people to use energy saving technologies such as heat pumps by offering a financial incentive. The aim is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% (from 1990 levels) by 2050. Heat pumps use renewable energy, which is good for the environment, and thanks to these schemes it can also be good for you and your bank account.

Choosing to have a renewable heating system installed in your home can reduce your utility bills, especially if you’re off the mains gas grid. This is because they are energy efficient and the little electricity that they do use is cheaper than the cost of oil central heating or electric heaters in every room in your house.

RHI doesn’t directly result in a reduction in your utility bills but having the technology installed should, and the RHI can help to offset the initial installation costs.

What does the RHI consist of and how do you become eligible?

Depending on the type of renewable heating system you have installed, you can not only save money on your utility bills but also receive a quarterly renewable heat incentive payment. The domestic Renewable Heat Incentive pays you a fixed amount for every kilowatt of heat you produce, based on average calculations.

Eligible technologies

  • Air source heat pumps (air to water systems, not air to air)
  • Ground source heat pumps
  • High temperature heat pumps
  • Biomass boilers
  • Solar thermal panels

We offer air source, ground source and open-loop heat pumps, that are approved by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). This means you can expect a high quality product and service from the Reina Group, as well as automatically ticking some boxes on the RHI criteria.

Before having a system installed, or applying for the RHI, you must complete a Green Deal assessment (GDA). This will measure the energy performance of your home, giving you information that indicates how you can make your property more energy efficient. If it’s recommended by your assessor, you must have a minimum level of loft insulation and cavity wall insulation (if your house was built in the last hundred years) installed in your home. For mineral wool loft insulation, a minimum thickness of 270mm is required.

Once you have had the Green Deal assessment, if it’s the right choice for you, you’ll be able to have your system installed and submit an application form for the RHI.

To submit your application you will need:

  • Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) certificate number
  • Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) number
  • Green Deal Advice Report (GDAR) number
  • Personal information and bank details

Once you’re ready, you can register for RHI on the Ofgem website.

By using renewable heating technology, such as a heat pump from the Reina Group, you’ll be doing your part for the environment by reducing your carbon footprint, whilst also saving time and money on bills and maintenance. If you’d like to get an idea of just how much money you could be entitled to with the RHI, what fuel savings you could see and how long it might take for the cost of your heat pump to pay for itself, check out our RHI calculator tool.