Insulation 'helps pocket and planet'

25 September 2007

Installing insulation is one of the most cost effective home improvement projects householders can undertake, it was claimed today.

The government is currently encouraging homeowners to look at ways of improving energy efficiency in order to help cut the 30 per cent of the UK's carbon emissions which domestic households are responsible for.

Despite this, only 16 per cent of the UK's housing stock has adequate insulation, according to Andrew Leech of the National Home Improvement Council.

He explained that many properties still have no loft insulation, while others only have the previous minimum requirement of four inches instead of the 12 inches now recommended.

Even homeowners with little interest in the environmental consequences of energy use can benefit from fitting loft or cavity wall insulation, he continued.

"You are going to save a considerable amount on your heating bill, so it's not such a question of saving the planet; you are going to save your pocket as well," added Mr Leech.

The Energy Saving Trust estimates that loft insulation costs around £500 to install but will result in reductions to annual fuel bills of up to £110, while cavity wall insulation will result in savings of around £90 a year for an initial investment of approximately £500.