Interest free loans with cash back can help keep you cosy

What does the scheme offer? The Scottish Government is making available interest free, unsecured loans of up to £15,000 for installing a variety of measures such as solid wall insulation, double glazing or a new boiler. Landlords with multiple properties are eligible for up to £100,000 in total.

For a limited time, householders are eligible to receive cash back of 25% of their quoted costs, up to a maximum of £3,750. Applicants must be able to complete works and claim funding by March 10, 2017. Here is how it works. The interest free loan funds 75 per cent of the cost for the improvements. The cash back pays for the 25 per cent balance. The cash back is a 25% grant towards making your home more energy efficient.

If the loan is for under £5000 you can take choose a repayment time period of up to five years. If the loan amount is greater than £5000 you can spread the repayments over up to 10 years.

What improvements could you make with an interest-free loan? Max Loan Value Solid wall insulation: £10,000 Loft, cavity, under floor insulation: £1000 Flat roof or room in roof insulation: £4000 Gas, LPG and oil boilers, warm air units and electric storage heaters: £5000

Double/triple glazing, secondary glazing and insulated doors: £4500 Secondary Measures If installing at least one of the primary measures, you can install the following secondary measures: cylinder thermostat; draught proofing; waste water heat recovery system; flue gas heat recovery system; hot water tank jacket; heating controls. Loans of up to £500 per measure are available to help with financing any secondary measures. Who is the scheme for? The loan scheme is open to owner occupiers and registered private sector landlords in Scotland. The repayment period varies based on the amount you borrow but those taking out higher value loans will be able to pay back over 10 years.