Heating options

As part of our mission to provide access to affordable, low-carbon energy services, ReFLEX Orkney has worked with local organisations to provide an overview of heating help available to Orkney residents.

The resources below are a starting point for information on grants available, energy advice services, suppliers and installers who can help you save and keep your home warm through renewable heating initiatives.

Orkney heating services

There are several local organisations who are experienced in advising and installing heating and other home energy improvements. These advisors work closely together to ensure you are provided with the most up-to-date and relevant support for your home.

Where do I start?

If you are ready to improve your heating system, Home Energy Scotland is your first point of contact. Funded by the Scottish Government, they offer impartial energy advice and will let you know what funding or support you are eligible for.

If you are finding it difficult to heat your home, THAW Orkney is a local charity providing general energy advice as well as support through home energy improvements.

For more information, The ReFLEX Orkney team is happy to talk you through these options and put you in direct contact with these trusted organisations.

Home energy improvements

• Interest free loans with up to £7500 cashback
  • Home Energy Scotland offers interest free loans for a range of eligible energy efficiency measures and renewable technologies for homeowners and private sector landlords.
  • How much you can borrow and the amount of cashback available depends on the type of installation.
    • Home energy improvements can include a new, efficient heating system, insulation and glazing.
    • Home renewable installs can include heat pumps, wind turbines, solar photovoltaic panels with battery storage and solar water heating systems.
  • Call for free on 0808 808 2282 to discuss your options with a local Home Energy Scotland advisor.
• Grants for local home energy installs
  • Warmworks manages and delivers the Orkney Islands Council's Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme, advising on and installing energy saving measures in properties across Orkney.
  • Grant funding is available to some Orkney households to fund and install energy-saving improvements including various insulation measures and some heating solutions.
  • Call for free on 0808 808 2282 to find out if you are eligible, or visit Warmworks’ office in Kirkwall at The Store, 5 West Tankerness Lane, Kirkwall, KW15 1AL.
• Grants for eligible households
  • Warmer Homes Scotland is the Scottish Government funded national home energy efficiency scheme.
  • Financial support is available to homeowners and private sector tenants struggling to heat their home and who meet the scheme’s criteria. You may be eligible for the install of measures including heating, insulation and draft proofing.
  • Home Energy Scotland will support you through the process, including a referral to the scheme's managing agent Warmworks.
  • Call for free on 0808 808 2282 to find out if you are eligible, or visit Warmworks’ office in Kirkwall at The Store, 5 West Tankerness Lane, Kirkwall, KW15 1AL.

Cost savings and incentives

• Renewable Heat Incentive

  The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive offers householders quarterly cash payments over seven years for having an eligible renewable heating technology installed in their home. Technologies include certain types of heat pumps and solar thermal panels.

• Smart Export Guarantee

  If you generate your own renewable energy at home, you may be eligible for the Smart Export Guarantee. This scheme will pay you for the renewable electricity you export to the grid from a selection of renewable energy generating technologies.

• Maximise income

  To make sure you are not missing out on any additional income which could help pay for your home energy improvements and energy bills, get in touch with the local Citizen’s Advice Bureau for money advice.

• Tariff switching support

  Switching your electricity supplier and tariff may save you money on your electricity bills. THAW Orkney offers impartial tariff switching support and information.

Support on local resources

• Specialist renewable technology advice

  If you are thinking about generating your own heat or power at home, Home Energy Scotland offers free and impartial advice on renewable technologies. Get in touch to discuss your options and to arrange a home survey with one of their Home Energy Specialists.

• Find a local installer

  Get in touch with our team, who can provide you with a list of local installers and suppliers who install home heating technologies and improvements.

  Accredited installers throughout Scotland are also listed in this search tool by the Energy Saving Trust.