Over the past few weeks we’ve had a lot of questions from homeowners across Canterbury, Whitstable, Ashford, Deal and Folkestone about the government’s newly confirmed Warm Homes Plan.
Most people aren’t asking about politics — they’re asking simple, practical things:
Will this actually help reduce my bills?
Do I qualify?
Does my house even suit a heat pump or solar panels?
As a local EPC assessor working in Kent, this article explains what the new funding means in real terms for everyday homes, and where Energy Performance Certificates fit into the picture.
What is the Warm Homes Plan?
The Warm Homes Plan is a long-term government programme that will provide funding for home energy upgrades over the next five years. The focus is on:
- Air source heat pumps
- Solar panels
- Home battery storage
Funding will be delivered through a mix of grants and low-interest loans, with additional support for lower-income households.
One key element is the extension of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which continues to offer grants of up to £7,500 towards an air source heat pump.
For many households, this doesn’t cover the full cost — but it does make upgrades more achievable than they were a few years ago.
What we’re seeing in Kent homes
Kent has a wide mix of property types, and that matters.
We regularly assess:
- Older terraces in Canterbury and Ramsgate
- 1930s semis in Whitstable, Herne Bay and Dover
- Newer estates around Ashford and Thanet
Some homes are well suited to solar panels straight away. Others need insulation or heating improvements first before a heat pump makes sense.
This is why a proper EPC assessment in Kent is important. An EPC doesn’t just give a rating — it shows:
- Where energy is being lost
- Which upgrades will improve efficiency
- How changes may affect running costs and EPC score
What is an EPC?
Book an EPC assessment in Kent
Will heat pumps and solar panels reduce bills?
They can — but it depends on the property.
A heat pump on its own doesn’t guarantee lower bills, especially with current electricity prices. Where we’ve seen the best outcomes locally is when:
- Solar panels help offset electricity use
- The home has decent insulation
- Heating systems are properly sized and controlled
This is why the Warm Homes Plan encourages a combination of technologies rather than a single upgrade.
Why EPCs matter for grants and upgrades
Many energy efficiency grants already require a valid EPC, and future schemes are likely to rely on EPC data even more.
If you’re considering:
- Heat pump grants in Kent
- Solar panel funding
- Energy efficiency improvements
Having an up-to-date EPC puts you in a much better position.
A local, practical takeaway
Not every home needs a heat pump right now. Not every roof suits solar panels. The sensible first step is understanding your property.
From our experience across Kent, homeowners who start with an EPC avoid costly mistakes and plan upgrades that actually work.