HBL News: £1 billion wasted each year in UK due to lack of insulation

B&Q autumn/winter 2011/12 press launch, photograph: WGSN-homebuildlife

New research from insulation experts E.ON claims that one in ten UK households are throwing money away by not insulating their wall cavities and lofts; citing as their reason that they simply "can’t be bothered". 9% blame clutter in their lofts, while 15% state that they do not know how to go about it.

The average home can save up to £390 a year on their energy bills by simply insulating their house, but 57% of Britons have not taken the energy saving step. 17% of respondents felt they couldn’t afford to insulate their homes when it can cost from as little as £99, pay for itself in just four months and help keep their homes cooler in the summer.

Kevin Bryant, Energy Fitness Instructor at E.ON, said: “When we feel the cold, it’s very tempting to turn on or turn up the heating, but there are other long-term solutions which can make a big difference and help you save money on your bills. With a quarter of heat lost through un-insulated roofs and a third through un-insulated walls, installing cavity wall or loft insulation is one the best long-term approaches you can make to getting your home more energy fit.”