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Hundreds of thousands on benefits can get FREE home insulation through little-known scheme – and cut bills by £700

THOUSANDS of households on benefits can save £700 on their yearly energy bills - and you might not have to spend a penny to get it.

Low-income and vulnerable families can get help improving the energy-efficiency of their homes through a Government scheme.

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Households can get help saving money on their energy bills through a schemeCredit: Alamy

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is designed to tackle fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions in the UK.

Fuel poverty relates to households who need to spend a high proportion of their income to keep their property at a "reasonable temperature".

Under the ECO scheme, suppliers have a legal obligation to implement energy-saving measures in your home.

Help is offered on a case-by-case basis, but it can mean having a new boiler fitted, or loft or cavity wall insulation put in, often for free.

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The cost of having a boiler fitted is around £2,000 - £4,000, while loft insulation costs around £670 to install and cavity wall insulation in a mid-terrace house will set you back £1,800, according to Checkatrade.

Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at price comparison website Uswitch, said: "The aim (of ECO) is to improve the home’s energy performance and make it cheaper to heat.

“Eligible customers can receive support to heat and insulate their homes, helping to cut their energy bills."

He added: "Those who apply and are eligible can receive help installing energy efficiency measures such as insulation, or get support to upgrade or repair their heating system.

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"Measures can also include the installation of heat pumps and smart thermostats."

The ECO first launched in January 2013 and has been extended four times.

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