Frequently Asked Questions
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General FAQ
What is the Cheshire West Warm Zone?
Cheshire West Warm Zone is Cheshire West and Chester Council's flagship home insulation scheme, for homeowners and private tenants to access free cavity wall, loft insulation, and central heating repairs.
The letter says I qualify for free, what is the catch?
There is no catch. The scheme aims to reduce fuel poverty and improve energy efficiency in the Cheshire West and Chester area. We bring together funding to offer free cavity wall, loft insulation, and central heating repairs to local residents.
I rent from a Private Landlord, do I qualify?
Yes, we will need the name, contact number and address of the landlord for authorisation. Apologies, but the scheme does not include housing association properties.
Once I have applied, what happens next?
Once we have received your application, we will refer your details to our home energy advisors who will be in touch to arrange a short assessment visit. Please click here for more information.
How will I know the Warm Zone surveying team when they call?
Our surveying team will wear an identity badge with the Warm Zone logo on. Always ask to see the identity badge and if you are unsure please call us on 0800 0337873 to check who they are.
Why do you have to survey my home?
The free home survey allows us to identify what insulation or heating measures are suitable for your home. Some householders are unaware if they have insulation or not. If your home is unusually large, you may incur an excess meters charge.
Who are your approved contractors?
There are three approved contractors working for Cheshire West Warm Zone, Hillman-Brown Ltd, Heatex Group, and Town & Country Gas. Following the home survey, If you still wish to proceed, our insulation contractors who will be in touch to arrange a date for the work to be completed. Our contractors are well established companies who employ fully qualified staff to insulate your home.
How long will the process take to complete?
The process should take approximately four weeks to complete from the date of the application.
Loft Insulation FAQ
What is loft insulation?
Loft insulation is a man-made material that generally comes in three types - blown material (mineral wool or cellulose fibre), mineral wool quilt, and loose fill.
Why does my house need loft insulation?
Loft insulation works by stopping the upwards movement of heated air, reducing the loss of heat from the rooms below. By installing loft insulation to the Energy Saving Trust's recommended thickness of 270mm, you can save up to £145 per year on your household heating bills, and it will help to reduce your carbon emissions.
Will I need to take the old insulation out?
No, we will lay insulation over the top of any existing insulation, unless otherwise discussed at the survey stage.
I have lots of items in my loft. Do I need to clear it out or will the installer do this for me?
Yes, you will need to clear the loft space of any stored objects before the insulation is installed.
Will my home be warmer?
Yes, you should find that the temperature of your house improves and that the house holds its temperature for a longer period of time.
How long will the work take?
Most loft insulation will take between one and two hours to complete.
Will it make a mess?
No, a small amount of dust may fall from the loft, which will be cleared by the installers and all packaging will be removed from your home.
Cavity Wall Insulation FAQ
What is cavity wall insulation?
In most houses constructed after the 1920s, the external walls are made of two layers or brickwork (internal and outer) with a small air gap or cavity between them. Cavity wall insulation involves filling this gap with insulation material which reduces the amount of heat that can escape through the walls. To identify if your home is suitable for cavity wall insulation, look at the pattern of the external brickwork, see diagram below.
Why does my house need cavity wall insulation?
Cavity wall insulation is the best way to significantly reduce the energy needed to heat your home, and offers potential fuel savings of around £110 per year.
Is cavity wall insulation simple to install?
Yes, the insulation material is blown in through a sequence of holes drilled from outside the property. In some cases, we may also need to install core vents in your exterior walls, but in general the whole job takes less than half a day.
Will my home be warmer?
Yes, with cavity wall insulation you will find that your home holds its temperature for longer periods of time.
How long will the work take?
The work usually takes less than half a day depending on the size of your property.
Will it make a mess?
No, our installation team will ensure that they clean up properly after the work has been completed.
