Households are expected to snap up £70m energy efficiency handout in March

Households can apply for up to £5,600 for certain energy-saving measures such as double glazing, boilers, and solid wall, cavity wall and floor insulation

A £70m handout to households to improve the energy efficiency of their homes is expected to be snapped up in days. The third phase of the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund opens on Monday 16 March, when households can apply for up to £5,600 for certain energy-saving measures such as double glazing, boilers, and solid wall, cavity wall and floor insulation.

The Energy Secretary Ed Davey said: "Households are reaping the benefits of a warmer home thanks to the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund. And now, with more money available, thousands more can benefit." But he warned that the cash will be gone in "not much longer than a week". The initial scheme, launched in June last year, closed within six weeks after £120m was snapped up by households.

The second round of funding was released in December, with £24m set aside for solid wall insulation and £6 million for other energy-efficiency improvements such as double glazing or wall insulation. But the main fund ran out within just 24 hours.

For more information, call the Energy Saving Advice Service on 0300 123 1234 or Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282.