Poor insulation 'compromises cheap energy efficiency' - 10/03/2010
A lack of adequate insulation is compromising the cheap energy efficiency of British homes, official data reveals.
According to figures from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), households spent £500 million on heating last year - a figure that could have been less if they had insulation in place.
Heat usually escapes from homes with less than the recommended depth of loft insulation (270mm) or through uninsulated cavity walls, which pushes up the cost of bills from energy suppliers.
The DECC said loft and wall cavity insulation professionally installed for £500 could help households reduce their annual heating bills by £160.
Insulation can also ads value to a home and improve its energy rating in a Home Information Pack.
The government recently unveiled plans to encourage estate agents to increase the value of energy efficient homes amid plans to encourage more people to install eco-friendly measures in their homes.
As part of the scheme, council tax rebates will also be offered to homeowners who install insulation in wall cavities.
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