Millions of homes at risk of losing money due to outdated insulation | Personal Finance | Finance

Brits are losing millions of pounds and even risking their lives, with warnings that 55% of homes have insulation based on standards nearly half a century old. Insulation expert, Dave Raval, has pointed out that over 13 million homes only meet insulation standards from 1976 or earlier.

Homes like these are losing heat due to inadequate wall cavity insulation, lack of double glazing, insufficient loft insulation and poor floor insulation – all features that modern regulations now specify. As a result, these homeowners could be spending up to £380 per year in additional energy costs.

A study of 2,000 homeowners revealed that 69% of those who have installed loft insulation themselves are guilty of making some of these mistakes, with 41% ‘completely unaware’ they were doing anything wrong.

Many homeowners are inadvertently reducing the effectiveness of their insulation by up to 50% by placing items on top of it, according to a study. The compression caused by this action eliminates the air pockets that trap heat, leading to increased heat loss through the loft and roof, thereby reducing the energy efficiency of the home.

In addition to affecting the temperature and environment of a home, this could also pose a health and safety risk to those living inside. Covering electrical cables can lead to overheating risks, and blocking ventilation can cause moisture build-up and mould issues.

Dave Raval, CEO of LoftZone, the company behind the research, warned: “Many homeowners don’t realise that their DIY attempts could actually be making their homes less energy efficient, more dangerous, and more expensive to run. The right insulation, installed correctly, can make a massive difference, not just to comfort and cost, but to safety as well.”

The survey also revealed that six out of ten respondents rated their knowledge on around insulation as ‘average’, ‘poor’, or ‘very poor’. This lack of knowledge about what to fit or how to fit it was the main reason given by those who have never attempted DIY loft insulation.

However, for those who have attempted to do so themselves 28% admit to doing so without the necessary protective gear and others have removed their old insulation without checking for hazards, such as asbestos, mould, or even pests living in the eaves.

Dave Raval, from LoftZone, added: “There are a number of methods for homeowners to avoid these costly and potentially dangerous pitfalls, which are simpler than you think.”

FIVE TIPS TO PREVENT YOUR HOME FROM LEAKING MONEY AND ENERGY:

1. Mind the gaps:

On a chilly evening, light a candle and hold it near a window if the flame flickers, that’s your hard-earned heating escaping through the gaps. Draught excluders such as self-adhesive foam strips are a quick and affordable fix available at any DIY shop and can be installed in mere minutes.

2. Boost your insulation:

Insulation is your best friend when it comes to preventing heat loss through walls and roofs topping up your loft insulation to meet government guidelines could save you hundreds on heating bills each year. But don’t get caught out by storing things directly on top of it, as squashing your insulation reduces its effectiveness by up to 50% investing in a raised loft boarding system is a great way to avoid this while keeping your storage space.

3. Walls:

Approximately 35% of your home’s heat is lost through the walls. Homes constructed prior to the 1990s may not have insulation cavity wall insulation is suitable for homes built after 1920, while solid wall insulation is ideal for older properties. A quick solution? Heavy curtains can help prevent draughts and provide additional warmth near windows.

4. Floors:

To prevent cold drafts from seeping up through your floors, insulate them with fibreglass, sprayed foam, or foam board but make sure your insulation is vapour-permeable to avoid rotting the wood. Then lay down some rugs or carpets or, for an even warmer feel, under-floor heating can be a game-changer and don’t forget to seal those hidden gaps around skirting boards and floor edges with caulk or foam to keep the heat in.

5. Pipework:

It’s not just the pipes themselves that are important, but the air around them also plays a significant role in heat loss. Sealing gaps around pipes where they enter walls or floors prevents cold draughts from entering and keeps the warm air trapped inside.