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Household improvement programme
Phase 2 – Heat Pumps
What are GCDA trying to achieve?
We want to make renewable heating accessible for everyone in our catchment. By combining generous Home Energy Scotland (HES) funding with targeted GCDA financial support, we can help households switch to Air
Source Heat Pumps without creating a financial burden. Our goal is to remove cost barriers, increase uptake, and help the community lower its energy bills while reducing emissions.
Why it matters?
Air Source Heat Pumps use clever technology to capture heat from the air outside — even on cold days — and bring it into your home. Instead of burning fuel, they simply move existing heat, making them far more efficient than traditional heating systems. This means lower running costs, less impact on the environment, and a warmer, more comfortable home.
Funding available
Residents of Glenbarr have available a significant level of external and GCDA funding summarised below.
Home Energy Scotland
Home Energy Scotland (HES) provide grants of up to £9000 as well as up to a £7500 interest free loan.
GCDA
Besides facilitating external partner funding, GCDA will cover up to £5000 of the £7500 Home Energy Scotland interest-free loan, whilst funding lasts. GCDA will review our level of funding biannually to ensure project sustainability. In addtion, GCDA also commit to providing all residents with funding of up to £100 to complete an EPC, if required.
Funding is made available to new builds and any household who have installed an ASHP in 2025 alongside HES funding.
Roadmap to improving your home…
1. Referral
Contact GCDA to register your interest. We will initial a referral to Home Energy Scotland (HES), who will be your first point of contact for the funding process.
2. Assess
A HES surveyor will arrange a home visit to assess your property, discuss your current heating system, and
check your insulation levels to understand your homes readiness for a heat pump.
3. Report
Following your assessment, HES will send you a report outlining the total grant and interest-free loan you’re eligible for. GCDA will then confirm our own top-up support to cover your loan repayments up to £5,000.
4. Costed
You arrange for one or more MCS-certified heat pump installers to visit your home and provide a formal
quotation. GCDA can help you find local certified contractors if you wish.
5. Install
Once your funding is approved, you choose your preferred installer and agree an installation date. A typical installation takes 2–4 days, with minimal disruption to your home
6. Funding
After installation, relevant documentations are submitted to HES. Once signed off, the grant and loan are released, and GCDA will begin your agreed loan repayment support.
Taking Glenbarr to a sustainable future…
Our Household Improvement Programme is a long-term plan to make homes in our community warmer, greener, and cheaper to run. It’s being delivered in three connected phases:
Phase 1
Insulation Improvements
Helping households install insulation measures that reduce heat loss, cut energy demand, and improve comfort. This prepares homes for the efficient heating systems in Phase 2.
Phase 2
Renewable Heating
Supporting residents to replace traditional heating systems with highly efficient, electric-based Air Source Heat Pumps. These systems lower emissions and future-proof homes against rising fuel costs.
Phase 3
Solar and Battery Storage
GCDA will help households install solar panels and battery systems to generate and store their own electricity, driving down running costs and increasing energy independence.
Phase 2 is your chance to make a major leap towards a fully sustainable home and be ready for Phase 3 when it launches. Phase 1 insulation funding from external partners (HES and A&B Council) and GCDA is still open, and meeting minimum insulation standards is a HES criteria access heat pump funding. If required, we can help you combine insulation upgrades with renewable heating in one smooth process, maximising benefits, cutting costs, and future-proofing your home.
Interested?
Should you be interested in exploring options further, submit your details below and GCDA will be in contact to get things moving.