Fully funded insulation for Harlow's post-war estates — cut bills across CM17–CM20

Yes, and Harlow is one of the towns where it delivers the biggest savings. Much of the 1950s-60s stock across Mark Hall, Passmores and Katherines was built with solid brick or concrete-frame construction that loses up to 45% of heat through the walls. Under ECO4, qualifying homeowners get external wall insulation (EWI) or internal wall insulation (IWI) fully funded. EWI is usually the better option for solid-brick Harlow terraces; IWI suits flats and maisonettes where the external appearance can't change.

Flat-roof maisonettes in Bush Fair, Staple Tye and Newhall need a tailored approach. Loft insulation obviously isn't an option, so we insulate at the flat-roof deck level (warm-roof or cold-roof build-up depending on the property) or via internal ceiling insulation where the roof can't be lifted. For leasehold maisonettes we liaise with the managing agent on any freeholder consents. Most ECO4-eligible maisonettes get this work done at £0 cost to the occupier.

In most cases, yes. Harlow's flat and low-pitch new-town roofs need careful spec — we use ballasted flat-roof mounting systems or low-profile pitched mounts to keep loads within tolerance. Concrete-framed properties have plenty of structural capacity. A typical 3.6 kWp Harlow install generates around 3,400-3,800 kWh/year, and pairing it with a 5 kWh battery lifts self-consumption to 70-85%. Smart Export Guarantee pays around 15p/kWh for surplus exported to the grid.

CM18 (Bush Fair, Passmores, Staple Tye) and CM19 (Katherines, Stewards, Sumners) have among the highest ECO4 eligibility rates in Essex thanks to a high share of EPC D-G stock and a large proportion of qualifying-benefit households. If you receive a benefit like Universal Credit, Pension Credit, ESA or Income Support — and own or rent a qualifying-EPC property — you're very likely eligible for fully funded insulation. GBIS extends that to most D-G homes in council tax bands A-D without the benefit test. We check both at the free survey.

Free surveys are typically booked within 5 working days across CM17-CM20. Loft top-ups and cavity installs complete in 1 day. External wall insulation on solid-wall Harlow terraces takes 5-10 days including rendering and weathering. Air-source heat pumps take 2-3 days on site, with a 3-4 week wait for Boiler Upgrade Scheme paperwork before we start. Solar is 1-2 days. Your surveyor gives you a firm start date and duration at the end of the survey visit.