Insulation is one of the most effective ways to improve your home’s energy performance. By stopping heat from escaping through walls, roofs, floors and rooms in the roof, insulation reduces heating demand and lowers bills. Both ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) offer grants to help households install or upgrade insulation.
In properties built with an air gap between brick layers, cavity wall insulation fills this gap to reduce heat loss. The GBIS website notes that cavity wall insulation can reduce heat loss through walls by up to 35% and lower energy bills by up to £500 per year. It also helps prevent damp and condensation and is quick to install.
Up to 25% of a home’s heat can be lost through the roof. Adding or topping up loft insulation prevents this loss. Loft insulation keeps your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer and is a relatively low‑cost, long‑lasting upgrade.
Solid walls (common in homes built before the 1920s) have no cavity to fill, so insulation must be applied internally or externally. The GBIS information highlights that solid wall insulation can reduce heat loss by up to 45%, improving comfort and lowering heating costs.
Homes with suspended wooden floors can lose considerable heat through the ground. Underfloor insulation prevents heat escaping through the floor, improves warmth and reduces cold drafts. This upgrade can also minimise dampness and improve overall energy efficiency.
If your loft has been converted into living space, room‑in‑roof insulation (sometimes called dormer or attic room insulation) helps maintain comfortable temperatures all year round. It involves insulating the walls and roof of the converted area, preventing heat loss and reducing heating costs.
The Great British Insulation Scheme is designed to provide free or subsidised insulation to homes with an EPC rating of D or lower in council tax bands A–D. Funding is also available through ECO4 for households on qualifying benefits or with low incomes. Visit our GBIS page to check your eligibility and learn how to apply. Don’t forget to explore other measures like heat pumps and solar PV, which can work alongside insulation to further reduce bills.
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