Have you noticed the cold?

External wall insulation is one of the most reliable ways to improve a building’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. Insulation is applied to external walls of a property which may historically have been difficult to heat. External insulation improves the thermal dynamics of the property, working to prevent heat escaping from the home.

One of the notable benefits of this is the financial savings, with customers effectively pocketing up to an extra £460 a year thanks to their homes being more energy-efficient. Other key benefits include the capability to improve the appearance of the property, a reduction in carbon footprint and noise transmission and potentially boosting property value.

Some suppliers, including Next Energy offer free insulation under the government-backed Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme with an external insulation grant. This means many homeowners, or those with permission of their landlord, can qualify for a fully or partially funded external insulation grant.

With as much as 35% of heat escaping through solid walls, solid wall insulation reduces the rate at which heat escapes through the walls of your property. Applied to either the interior or exterior of the wall, one key difference between the two means individuals can reap the benefits of insulation without modifying the appearance of the exterior walls if applied to the inside wall. This is particularly attractive for those living in character properties keen to maintain its existing visual appeal.

Like its external sister, solid wall insulation can also reduce heating bills by up to £460 a year, depending on the size of the home and it also minimises noise transmission. With little long-term maintenance required, solid wall insulation can be used in conjunction with external wall insulation if required. Solid wall grants mean a warmer home and may even come for free. These grants fall under the ECO scheme, the government-backed scheme which makes a warm home a reality for thousands of families struggling with cold properties. The criteria for solid wall insulation grants typically includes living in a property with solid stone or brick external walls and be receiving at least one government benefit.

One measure to retain heat in the home is through cavity wall insulation. Cavity wall insulation enables heat from the home to remain within the property for longer. Located between the inner and outer brickwork, cavities if not sufficiently insulated, result in draughts no matter how efficient the central heating system. This feature is seen in homes built post-1920. Properties benefit from fuel savings and greater EPC rating but with no aesthetic changes. External cavity wall insulation grants offer financial support to make warmer homes a reality. Eligibility criteria include being a homeowner or having permission from the landlord and being a recipient of a qualifying government benefit.