Too much insulation?
The government is urging those who receive Pension Credit to apply for grants to help insulate their homes against the cold and rising fuel bills.
Minister for Pensions Reform Mike O’Brien said that with rising fuel prices it was more important than ever for people to properly insulate their homes and cut down on fuel usage.
a third lost
“As much as £1 in every £3 spent on heating bills is wasted in poorly insulated homes,” the minister said.
“If you own your own home or rent it from a private landlord, you may be eligible for a free grant to insulate your walls and loft.”
The grant is in addition to the Winter Fuel Payment of £200 which rises to £300 for people over 80. Mr O’Brien added: “It’s free to call, so I urge all people getting Pension Credit to ring the Energy Advice Line to find out if they are eligible for further help.”
Around quarter of a million eligible people on Pension Credit in England, Scotland and Wales have been sent a letter to encourage people to apply for the funding they may be entitled to. [more]
find out
Some Local Councils are providing information for each home in their area. Using Thermal Imaging, they show a map of heat loss that allows householders to identify the performance of their own house.
too much
“So the big question is: how much insulation is too much?
Each layer saves less energy than the last, but it is only when mineral wool (the pink candy-floss insulation) is one metre thick that an additional layer will save less energy than it took to make. [more]
In newbuild situations, extremely high energy efficiency can be achieved with insulation. For example, PassivHaus dwellings typically achieve an energy saving of 90% compared to existing housing.
The average house loses about 35 per cent of its heat through the walls, 25 per cent through the roof, a further 25 per cent through draughty doors and windows, and 15 per cent through the floor.
The Energy Advice Line is a free, impartial service It is open from 9.00am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday and 9.00am - 1.00pm Saturday. People can call 0800 027 7668 for further information.
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