With winter upon us and thermostats clicking on across the country, now is a good time for homeowners to get ready for the colder weather. Installing loft insulation should be right at the top of the DIY list.

It’s disappointing that no mention was given to energy efficiency in the Government’s autumn statement, despite the fact that energy bills are a concern for many. As a result, many households will have to cover the cost of installing loft insulation themselves.  

There is, however, a new Government grant – the Great British Insulation Scheme – which launched earlier this year which means homeowners that live in the least energy efficient homes and are on low incomes may get funding for loft insulation. More on this later.

Good for pocket and planet

The two largest emissions of carbon in this country are transport followed by housing. This country has a particular issue with its housing stock as we have the oldest in Europe, meaning it is leaky and inefficient. Loft insulation is one important step many of us can take to futureproof our homes, making them warmer and cheaper to heat.

Loft insulation is the quickest, cheapest and easiest way to significantly reduce your home’s carbon footprint. Insulating a typical semi-detached house could save 610kg of carbon dioxide escaping into the atmosphere every year. That’s the equivalent of planting more than 300 trees.

It’s a great thing for you to do if you are one of the many people who are worried about energy bills rising and want to use your money for positive climate action. Research carried out by Triodos Bank UK earlier this year found that two-thirds of those surveyed are worried that the cost-of-living increases have impacted their ability to use their money for positive change. And more than half admit that making sustainable choices has taken a back seat in the face of rising costs.

While loft insulation does require an initial outlay of a few hundred pounds, it will ultimately save you a lot of money and is one of the most impactful things you can do to reduce your carbon emissions.

Big Loft Insulation Drive

In recognition of the importance of this one very important climate action that people can take, One Home has created its own awareness raising and information campaign. You can join the conversation on social media too using #KeepTheHeat.

We’ve gathered all sorts of information to help you. For example, you can work out the installation cost and estimated savings on energy bills using our quick questionnaire which asks you a few simple questions about your home.

We also have information to help you decide whether to tackle the job yourself or get a professional to do it for you. For many, installing the insulation yourself is a manageable DIY job, although you will need some protective equipment such as gloves and a mask. However, we recommend bringing in professionals if your roof has damp or condensation issues, access to the loft is tricky, you have a flat roof or you have a lot of electrical wiring in the loft.

If you’re still unsure about it, check out our frequently asked questions.

New funding available

The Government is putting £1 billion into a new funding programme – the Great British Insulation Scheme – that will cover the installation of loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and smart heating controls. Up to £1,500 may be provided to eligible households.

To apply, homes need to have an EPC rating of D or below (these are the least energy efficient homes) and be in the lower council tax bands: A to D in England, A to E in Scotland and Wales.

However, funding through the programme will only insulate around 300,000 homes over three years and there is high demand so act quickly. You can find out how to apply and if you are eligible here.

The last word

If you live in one of the eight million homes in the UK without adequate loft insulation, you could be losing around a quarter of the heat in your home through the roof. Insulation is one of the best ways to prevent this. It will save you money, keep your home more comfortable and is the right thing to do for the planet.