This season involves a lot of preparing for the coming winter, which is why a lot of customers are likely looking for insulation. What they might not actually realise is that insulation has a big impact on the home year-round - it keeps heat out as well as holding it in, so it stays warm in the winter and cool in the summer. But it’s not just about customers wanting to be comfortable; they want to save money too. A well-insulated home helps to keep the bills down during winter, when the heating is typically on a lot more.
Customers look for insulation for multiple reasons, which are both environmental and financial. It’s better for the environment because it helps to reduce carbon emissions - the National Insulation Association found that 14% of UK emissions come from residential energy use. When their house is warm enough with insulation alone, people don’t need to put the heating on, and it helps to reduce the demand for heating energy.
With energy being so expensive, it’s also a massive financial benefit to have a well-insulated home. The less people are using their heating, the less they’re having to pay for it. It’s no surprise that 17% of trade have seen an increase in energy saving solution jobs commissioned in the last 12 months. There’s little sign of it slowing down, with 1 in 10 homeowners planning to install extra insulation in 2023.
Types of insulation
One of the most common types of insulation that customers will enquire about is cavity wall insulation. About a third of all heat lost in an uninsulated home escapes through the walls, and having external or internal solid wall insulation can save around £530 and 910kg of carbon dioxide a year. The other most common type is loft insulation - customers topping up their loft insulation from 120mm to 270mm could save around £35 and 55kg of carbon dioxide a year. Customers can also use insulation boards to insulate their floors - whether it’s solid floor or suspended floor insulation, it can save around £110 and 19 kg of carbon dioxide a year. They could even use pipe insulation to cover the pipes between their boiler and hot water tank. Not only does it save your customers money, but it helps to stop them from freezing in the winter.
The Great British Insulation Scheme
The Great British insulation scheme (GBIS) is a government scheme that offers free or low-cost insulation to homes around the country. It’s likely to be loft or cavity wall insulation, and the government believes it will save households around £300 to £400 a year on their bills. On top of supporting low-income and vulnerable households, it will also be available to customers living in homes with an energy performance certificate rating of D or below. That means older homes are likely to be eligible. Customers that do qualify for this scheme will be on the lookout for tradesmen to do the work for them.
