Householders in Kirkcaldy are being urged to contact a free helpline for advice before taking up offers of free external wall insulation.
Fife Council says it is aware that a number of companies have been offering the insulation service around Fife, particularly in the Kirkcaldy area, and is encouraging anyone with concerns to contact the Home Energy Scotland advice centre free on 0808 808 2282.
Neil Crooks, chairman of the Kirkcaldy area committee, said: “I have had reports of several companies vying for business in the Kirkcaldy North Ward and creating confusion amongst the population, many of whom are elderly.”
The Council explained that Home Energy Scotland is funded by the Scottish Government to provide free, impartial and expert advice on energy efficiency.
Specialist advisors can talk you through the benefits of installing measures such as external wall insulation and will explain where you can find fully accredited installers.
They can also let you know if you might be eligible for additional grants or support. If you wish to speak to someone face to face you could drop in to your local Greener Kirkcaldy advice shop on the High Street.
Installers can currently obtain funding from energy suppliers enabling them to reduce the cost of installing some energy efficiency measures, in some cases this could be free.
It is unlikely that they will be able to confirm that insulation can be installed free until a full technical survey has been completed determining the type of insulation system to be installed.
There may be some additional costs that householders should be aware of, for example repositioning fencing. Again, the advisors at Home Energy Scotland can advise what might not be included in these deals.
The Council has urged householders to ensure they understand if and how much money they may have to contribute to the cost of insulation and for any additional works before entering into any contract.
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