As temperatures have fallen and energy costs have increased at the same time, West Midlands residents, like many residents across the UK, are looking for ways to keep their homes warm and their energy prices under control.
Loft insulation is a quick, cost-effective and accurate way of conserving energy in the home and reducing bills, but it is still too often overlooked. Due to economic circumstances in the UK changing as much as they have in recent years, loft insulation is no longer looked at as a luxury; it’s becoming a necessity that homes in the Midlands should look to implement right away.
Loft insulation grant support is available now
An ECO4 grant could be available in your area, making it possible to upgrade the energy efficiency of your home, using measures such as loft insulation. The Great British Installation Scheme also funds loft insulation upgrades. You can see if you’re eligible with Residential Energy Services any time using our online ECO eligibility checker.
Eligibility for loft insulation grant support depends on a few things such as your household income, your EPC rating (Energy Performance Certificate) and whether you are already receiving any government support. Residential Energy Services will work with you to find the best energy-saving scheme for your specific circumstances.
Why is there such a spotlight on energy efficiency in the West Midlands and what can West Mids based householders do about it with loft insulation?
The Current State of Energy Efficiency in the West Mids
The energy efficiency of housing stock across England and Wales varies, as the table below shows. This indicates the median energy efficiency score in housing across each region; the West Midlands median Energy efficiency score is 67, the third lowest in the country, as of March 2023.
Why we Need Loft Insulation in the West Mids
The Which? Priority Places for Insulation Index tells us a clearer story as to why the West Midlands is a high priority region right now.
At RES, we pride ourselves on giving energy advice in Staffordshire. If we take a look at Stoke-on-Trent alone, they currently have average levels of wall insulation, poor levels of roof insulation and very poor levels of floor insulation. This is also a region in which houses are likely to contribute towards the high levels of fuel poverty in this particular part of the Midlands.
Whether you’re in Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford, Tamworth or Wolverhampton, if you live in an older property, it is likely that energy efficiency upgrades such as loft insulation can make a transformative difference to your energy bills.
Here are a few reasons why loft insulation can reduce energy bills and make living spaces more comfortable in the West Midlands and beyond.
Loft insulation saves money
Like many regions right now, the West Midlands is struggling with the high cost of energy. Reducing heat loss can help keep that cost down. Heat travels up; if it escapes through your roof, you can lose 25% of the energy you’re paying for throughout the day.
By keeping heat inside with loft insulation, your heating system is doing a more efficient job of keeping the temperature inside comfortable. This saves money on your energy bills.
Loft insulation helps combat fuel poverty
As the details of this article show, families right on our doorstep are struggling with the realities of fuel poverty. As fuel prices go up, covering the cost of basic amenities at home becomes more difficult.
Insulation not only provides warmth and comfort to struggling families, but they will not need to spend as much money on heating, enabling them to spend their money more wisely on home comforts for their loved ones.
Loft insulation helps protect the environment
All communities have a responsibility to contribute towards lowering the UK’s carbon footprint. Adding insulation to your loft directly supports this by lowering the need for energy and reducing the level of pollution that comes from energy intensive processes.
Well-insulated homes in the UK is a positive step towards a sustainable future for the country and our local communities.
Loft insulation increases the value of your property
Loft insulation is increasingly becoming a feature that potential homebuyers look for. It is an indication of an efficient home that is cheaper to run and more comfortable to spend time in! Loft insulation therefore makes economic sense for communities, as well as for anyone wanting to retain or increase the value of their property for potential buyers.
Loft insulation is better for your health
Homes that are not well insulated can have a detrimental effect on your health, particularly if you have vulnerable loved ones living with you. A poorly insulated home can cause drafts, damp and all kinds of moisture issues that can exacerbate or even cause health conditions to develop.
With better protection from cold and damp in the home using loft insulation, West Midlands residents would not only be able to live healthier, but it would relieve pressure on healthcare services.
Check your Eligibility for Loft Insulation Grants
Contacting Residential Energy Services is the quickest and easiest way to determine if you qualify for a free loft insulation grant through the ECO4 Scheme or the Great British Insulation Scheme. We can help you determine your qualifying requirements, and contact energy suppliers for loft insulation grant assistance.
Start by checking your eligibility here.
