The Great British Insulation Scheme could save you over £300 a year on your energy bills. One of the ways it can do this is through cavity wall insulation; here’s everything you need to know.
Cavity wall insulation grants free through the Great British Insulation Scheme
The Great British Insulation Scheme is committed to delivering energy efficiency improvements to UK homes in the form of insulation. Insulation measures under the Great British Insulation Scheme include but are not limited to:
Cavity wall insulation
Solid wall insulation (internal/external)
Loft insulation
The Great British Insulation Scheme in a nutshell
The Energy Company Obligation is an effort by the government to reduce carbon emissions in the UK. Unlike the ongoing ECO4 scheme, The Great British Insulation Scheme is focused on delivering specific energy-efficient insulation measures as quickly as possible.
Eligibility is not dependent on government benefits and will therefore be accessible to more UK residents.
Why you should get cavity wall insulation installed
Improve energy efficiency in your home
Reduce your heating bills by hundreds per year
Save energy and reduce your home’s carbon footprint
What’s the difference between solid walls and cavity walls?
Insulation in cavity walls bridges the opening between a home’s internal and external walls. In the case of solid walls, insulation must be laid on the inside or outside.
Cavity walls can be identified by the brick pattern; all bricks are laid lengthways in an even pattern, whereas solid walls usually consist of bricks laid out in both directions.
Who qualifies for cavity wall insulation grants?
If you are in a council tax band of A-D in England A-E in Scotland or A-E in Wales and you have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of D or below, you should be eligible to receive insulation measures under the Great British Insulation Scheme.
Keep in mind these measures may not necessarily include cavity wall insulation; it is best to have a home energy assessment to determine which type of insulation is best for your home, to make the most out of your grant funding.
What is cavity wall insulation?
Mineral wool and polystyrene beads are the most popular insulating materials used, however, polyurethane foam can also be used.
Polystyrene beads are the most widely used for filling cavity walls, thanks to their heat retention and moisture resistance. They are quick and easy to install and can get into hard-to-reach areas.
How is cavity wall insulation installed?
Insulation is essentially injected into the cavity between your walls. Small holes are drilled at intervals of around one metre on the outside wall of your home for insulation injection, after which they are sealed. These holes have a diameter of roughly 22mm and are hardly noticeable.
Is my home suitable for cavity wall insulation?
If you have mould or dampness growing on the walls or ceilings, it could be a sign that your home is lacking insufficient insulation. An overall feeling of draftiness in certain rooms can also be an indicator.
Ultimately, with cavity wall insulation, the aim is to reduce our dependence on energy-intensive heating appliances and save you money, so if you are finding you are having to heat your home constantly and you’re not retaining heat, this is a clear indicator that you may have unfilled cavity walls leading to heat loss
How do I check I’m eligible for Great British Insulation Scheme support?
To qualify for funding under the Great British Insulation Scheme, your EPC rating must be D or below and your Council Tax Band A-D.
The best way to start your journey is to check your eligibility using our quick form, and a Residential Energy Services energy expert will be able to help get you started.