Insulate now and help fight fuel poverty

To highlight Cold Homes Week (February 2-6) the National Insulation Association (NIA) is urging householders to act now and insulate.

Britain has some of the leakiest housing in Europe and the Cold Homes Week campaign aims to stop homes losing hundreds of pounds through poorly insulated homes. Energy bills are causing real hardship with 81% of homeowners worried about them as Britain heads further into winter, according to a recent Yougov poll.

Neil Marshall, chief executive of the NIA, said: “Home insulation is the most cost effective way of saving on domestic energy bills. Around 60% of heat can be lost through uninsulated walls and roofs; but with the right measures put in place, householders could be making significant savings on their energy bills.

“By simply installing Cavity Wall Insulation savings of up to £250* per year can be made and £250* per year from Loft Insulation. Draught-proofing windows and doors can save between £35 and £50* per year and when installed with other measures will greatly increase the comfort in a home. The savings are even greater for insulating solid walls up to £460* per year!”

The best way to find out if a house requires insulation is to contact an NIA installer member for a free survey and advice on any grants or schemes that can help with paying for insulation measures. Homeowners can be safe in the knowledge that an NIA installer will have signed up to a strict Code of Professional Practice. Meaning peace of mind comes as standard with an NIA approved member.

To find a local NIA member, householders and landlords should visit the NIA website www.nia-uk.org or call 08451 636363.

* Based on a detached gas heated house, with an 81% efficient gas boiler and average gas tariff of 4.21p/kWh and electricity tariff of 13.52 p/kWh; Figures from Energy Saving Trust and valid for 2014.