Winter-proof your home

Types of insulation

One way to keep your home warm during winter is to insulate your home. There are four main types to consider and each is designed to reduce heat loss and improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Cavity walls

Cavity insulation is for walls that have two brick layers. It fills the gaps between the two layers of the wall with an insulating material. This is installed by drilling small holes in the outer wall and injecting insulating material in.

Solid walls

Solid wall insulation is used on walls with one single layer of brick, stone or concrete. It involves attaching boards or rolls to the inner surface of the wall.

Floor insulation

Wooden floors are a significant source of heat loss in many homes. Adding floor insulation can enhance comfort, reduce energy loss and help lower your heating bills.

Roof and loft insulation

Properly insulating your roof and loft is one of the most effective ways to improve energy efficiency and keep your home warmer during colder months. It normally lasts for over 40 years.

Insulation costs and savings

Insulating your home will vary in cost depending on the size of your home and the type of insulation you need.

Cavity wall insulation can cost around £1,700 but adding insulation to external solid walls costs around £11,000.

Installing insulation also saves on your energy bills each year. For example, cavity wall insulation will save you around £240 a year, whereas external solid wall insulation may save you up to £320.

Insulation schemes and grants

There are insulation schemes and grants available to help with the cost of insulation.

Homes in England, Scotland and Wales

If you live in England, Scotland and Wales, the Great British Insulation Scheme supports the least energy-efficient homes to tackle fuel poverty and help reduce energy bills.

Find out if you can get support on the Great British Insulation Scheme website.

Homes in Northern Ireland

If you live in Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme provides grants to support businesses and low-income households with loft and cavity wall insulation.

Find out if you can get support on the Energy Saving Trust website.

Draught proofing your home

Draught proofing involves blocking gaps in your home to keep cold air out and warm air in. It is a lower cost option than insulation and can save up to £45 on your energy bills each year.

Insulating your water tank and pipes

Increasing your water tank’s jacket from 25mm to 80mm costs around £18 and can save up to £45 on your energy bills each year.

You can also insulate your water pipes to prevent lost heat whilst transferring water. This will save you around £5 a year.

Optimise your heating settings

Efficiently managing your heating system can help you stay comfortable while saving energy and reducing costs.

Use a heating programmer

A heating programmer allows you to control your heating so it turns on and off at specific times to match your daily routine.

Set your thermostat wisely

A thermostat enables you to control the temperature and turn the heating off automatically once your chosen warmth is reached. To save energy, set it to the lowest temperature that still keeps your home feeling comfortable.

Adjust your radiator valves

Radiator valves give you control over the flow of hot water in individual radiators. By adjusting these valves, you can adjust the heat provided to specific rooms. If a room does not need heating, turn the radiator off completely to conserve energy and reduce costs.