A research carried out by Thinkinsulation.com has revealed that 80% of home owners in the UK have done nothing to insulate their properties in the last three years.
The research shows that despite the nation being increasingly aware of the environmental issues and sustainable living – 10.8 million UK households (44 per cent) have not undertaken any home improvements relating to home insulation recently. This means they are missing potential energy bill savings of over £480 million pounds by merely topping up existing loft insulation.
Only one in four, the research says, knows that the Government runs a scheme that helps homeowners pay for energy efficiency measures with grants of up to £3,500.
Lydia Sharples at Thinkinsulation.com comments: “We urge people to act now and make the most of the funding while it is available. Although a job such as installing cavity or solid wall insulation should be left for the professionals, installing loft insulation is a DIY task that can easily be completed in a day, with minimum disruption. Homeowners can save on average £150 per year on fuel bills by insulating their lofts to the recommended 270mm…”
I should like to add, though, that not all insulation methods are good for any home. For example, no cavity wall insulation should be done on a house that has damp/mould issues. Just consult a professional and, preferably, obtain several quotes before you commit to a significant makeover.
To find out more about grants, check www.thinkinsulation.co.uk/subsidies or www.direct.gov.uk
Those statistics surprise me, and I would have thought more people in the UK would have made insulation more of a priority. I don’t know the exact statistics in the US, but I would assume more people focus on insulating their homes in an effort to realize more immediate energy savings. One thing I notice over here is that the big home improvement store like Home Depot and Lowes often promote insulation through TV and print advertising, and that might be why more people do it in America?
That’s interesting. Do you get any insulation subsidies in the US?
That’s not a lot actually, considering that labour is very costly. £3,500 can definitely get you much further.
You can get a Federal Tax Credit for installing insulation which is equal to 30% of the cost of materials (labor not included) and the maximum amount you can get a discount on is $1,500, so basically $450!