Insulation

Effective home insulation can cut fuel bills and save energy – helping both our planet and your pocket.

Here we show you how insulating your home really can save you money and protect our environment.

All energy fuel bill savings are quoted for a three bedroom semi-detached house. Individual circumstances are always different, so contact the Energy Efficiency Advice Centre (EEAC) free of charge on 0800 512 012 to find out what you can do.

Local experts can give you tips and advice on how to cut this wastage, talk to you about installers and tell you about grants and offers available in Walsall.

Double glazing

Double glazing can cut fuel bills by £40 a year.

It can reduce heat loss through windows by 50% as well as cutting noise, condensation, drafts and window maintenance. Home security can also be improved.

Double glazing works by creating an insulating barrier by trapping air in a gap between two panes of glass.

Cavity wall insulation

Cavity wall insulation will reduce your annual fuel bill by £70-£100 and is often grant assisted.

It can reduce heat loss by 33% so making your home feel much warmer - check with the EEAC to see if your house is suitable for cavity wall insulation.

Cavity wall insulation works by filling the air gap between the inner and outer wall of your house. Many homes are constructed in this way.

Loft insulation

By installing 250mm (10") thickness of loft insulation, you can save £100 compared to no insulation.

By insulating your loft to this depth of you can save 25% of your heating costs.

It works because heat rises and is like wearing a big heavy hat on a cold day.

Draught proofing

Stopping draughts in your home can save £10 to £15 per year.

Draughts often make people feel colder than they actually are – so they turn the heating up higher than necessary.

If you can feel a draught, cold air is coming into your home and warm air is escaping. Sealing up gaps in doors and windows means you keep more heat in.

Hot water tank

A thick jacket (75mm or 3") will save between £10 and £15 per year.

Insulating your hot water tank in this way can cut its heat loss by up to 75%. Adding to, or replacing, a worn jacket will also save you money.

Hot water tanks can be insulated using a cheap, easy to install British Standard 'jacket' available at any good DIY store. It works just like a heavy coat to keep the heat in.

Hot water pipes

Insulating your hot water pipes can save £5 per year.

Your central heating will work more efficiently and pipe insulation keeps the water hot so the heat goes to where you want it - to the hot water tank and radiators.

This page was last updated on 14 August 2009