Home Insulation is a relatively easy and highly effective way to increase the energy efficiency of your home. By installing loft or cavity wall insulation, you can massively reduce the heat lost through your walls and roof, thereby reducing your energy bills as less heat is needed to keep you and your family warm.
Because of its continuing commitment to reducing CO2 emissions in the UK, the Government provides funding to encourage homeowners to install loft and cavity wall Roof Insulation Grants. Unfortunately this funding does not extend to solid wall insulation, however the majority of homes in the UK have cavity external walls, especially if built after 1920, so the chances are that you may be eligible for a grant.
The way the grant system works is that the Government provides the funding direct to the installers, who then offer the appropriate discount to the homeowner. Because it is done direct through the installers, it is easy for homeowners to find out what they could receive - rather than dealing with a government department as well as the installer, they only need speak to the installer.
This funding can, depending on your circumstances, provide the entire cost of installing insulation in your home, and so now really is a fantastic time to make your home more efficient with insulation. For homeowners who do not qualify for the full grant, a partial grant of between 50% and 70% is often available, making insulation significantly more affordable than it has been. Given the savings that home insulation can help you make on your annual energy bill (typically around £145 for loft insulation and £110 for cavity wall insulation), then even the partial grant presents a great opportunity for homeowners.
However, as with all Government funding schemes, funding is limited and availability depends on your location. It is also important to know that the grants cannot Roof Insulation Grants be applied retrospectively - you must apply before you have the insulation installed. Additionally, the funding is only available for loft and cavity wall insulation, and not for solid wall insulation.