AN INTEREST-free loan for renovating a septic tank is now available, joining those which have been on offer since April 1 for green home improvements.

The septic tank loans have a limit of e10,000 and will help those carrying out renovations to meet new legal requirements by 2012.

The other interest free loans (éco-prêt à taux zéro) have a threshold of€30,000.

They are available from many high-street banks for a selection of environmental home improvements such as insulating or fitting solar panels, or for committing to the overall energy-efficiency improvement of your home.

Any home owner - who lives in a home or rents it out to someone who uses it as a main residence - is eligible for one of these loans and they are not subject to means-testing.

Until the end of 2010 the loans can also be combined with tax credits available for certain works.

A helpguide about applying for these loans, what they cover and a breakdown of the application form is available on our website, priced €5.