Insulation - an essential for energy efficiency

Absolutely, getting insulation is worth it, particularly if your home has little or no insulation currently.

While there are upfront costs associated with installing insulation, the long-term savings on your energy bills typically more than offset the costs, making insulation a smart, cost-effective investment. Homes that are properly insulated can see a reduction in heating and cooling costs by up to 45% compared to those lacking insulation. That's a significant decrease in both energy consumption and your utility bills!

However, the benefits you'll see will depend on various factors, such as the size of your home, the type of insulation you choose, and the local climate. Therefore, it's recommended to seek professional advice to understand the potential savings for your specific circumstances.

The cost of insulation varies greatly depending on the type of insulation and the specific circumstances of the property.

When breaking down costs per square metre, blanket insulation typically stands at approximately £5/m², whilst loose-fill insulation averages around £7.50/m². Insulation boards can be a bit more costly at about £10/m². Blown-fibre insulation is on the higher end, at £55/m².

Here are some price ranges for different types of insulation:

Loft Insulation: For a typical UK home, the cost can range from £400 to £4,000 for professional installation, depending on the size of your loft and what type of insulating material used.

Cavity Wall Insulation: The cost for a typical UK home usually falls between £330 and £720 depending on the size of the home and complexity of the job.

Solid Wall Insulation: This is typically more expensive. External wall insulation can cost between £8,000 and £15,000, while internal wall insulation can range from £3,500 to £14,500. The wide range reflects the differences in property size and the specific materials used.

Floor Insulation: For a professional to insulate a floor, it can cost between £400 and £2,000, depending on whether it's a ground floor or involves suspending a wooden floor.These figures are intended to provide a rough guide.

For a precise quote, it's best to have professionals evaluate your home's specific needs. Get in touch and we'll get you quotes from three of our vetted vendors

The duration of an insulation project can vary significantly depending on the size of the home and the type of insulation being installed. Here are some general timelines for different types of insulation:

Loft Insulation: This is generally the quickest type of insulation to install, often taking between 2 to 4 hours for an average-sized home.

Cavity Wall Insulation: This process is also relatively quick, typically taking around 2 to 3 hours for a typical home. However, larger homes may require a full day.

Solid Wall Insulation: These projects take longer due to the complexity of the task. External wall insulation can take 2 to 3 weeks, while internal insulation can take several days to a week, depending on the size of the house and the number of rooms.

Floor Insulation: For a professional to insulate a floor, it can take a day or two, depending on whether it's a ground floor or involves suspending a wooden floor.

Please note these are estimated timescales and actual times may vary. Each home is unique, and the time it takes can depend on many factors such as the existing state of the property, access issues, and the specific materials used.

There are five major grants available throughout the UK offering financial assistance for those looking to install home insulation. These are:

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Scheme - Grants up to £14,000 are available for individuals who meet certain benefits criteria.

The Great British Insulation Scheme - This scheme offers up to 75% of the costs for anyone living in a property with an EPC rating of D-G and within council tax bands A-D in England and A-E in Scotland and Wales.

Welsh Government Warm Homes Nest Scheme - Provides free improvements to home efficiency for those who meet certain benefits criteria.

Home Energy Scotland - Grants of up to £5,000 are available for residents in Scotland over 16 years old.

Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) - Offers up to 100% of the costs for low-income, off-gas grid homes with an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G.

Each of these grants can help cover the cost of insulation and make your home more energy-efficient.

We offer comprehensive support for UK homeowners interested in home insulation. We start with an energy audit of your home to understand its unique requirements. Our experts then analyse the data to recommend the best energy measures, including insulation, tailored to your property.

Sparkway provides and end-to-end solution, from energy audit to installation. We have a network of trusted, local vendors, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free installation process. Our commitment to customer satisfaction makes us the preferred choice for insulation solutions in the UK.