Outdated insulation is negatively impacting your UK home — and here’s how

A new study has revealed a chilling truth about British homes, and this may include your own. Your home’s insulation could be insulated to standards that pre-date the 1976 building regulations — established almost 50 years ago. 

According to the latest research conducted by EDF and property data platform Sprift, an overwhelming 55% of homes in England and Wales (approximately 13.9 million properties) still adhere to outdated insulation standards.

But, what do these results show? A critical gap in home energy efficiency, resulting in increased energy consumption and higher bills.

The heat loss puzzle

The primary culprits for heat loss include low-quality cavity wall insulation, the absence of double-glazed windows, inadequate loft insulation, and poor floor insulation. These deficiencies are all barriers that could prevent your home from meeting the stringent requirements of current building regulations.

A potential silver lining

On the brighter side, it's not all doom and gloom. The study also noted a small silver lining. Since 2022, the report revealed that there's been an 18% increase in homes that now meet the insulation standards of 2002 or later, up from a mere 8%. However, this progress largely stems from the construction of new buildings that are already compliant with modern regulations, rather than the retrofitting of existing homes.

UK homeowners left in the dark

Despite the clear benefits of updated home insulation, many homeowners remain in the dark or at a financial disadvantage.

A previous study of 2,000 UK homeowners by EDF uncovered that 32% say that cost is the main barrier to upgrading their home insulation. Additionally, a significant lack of awareness is still common surrounding insulation, with 61% of homeowners saying they’re unfamiliar with their property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. The most shocking statistic from this study? One in five homeowners is unaware of the home insulation methods available to them.

Interestingly, the current volatile energy market spurred 76% of those who have upgraded their insulation to act. This reaction highlights a stride towards harnessing energy savings in the face of price increases. For example, EDF estimates that the average semi-detached homeowner could save up to £235 annually by upgrading their cavity-wall insulation.

The importance of researching your home insulation options

At SpotDif, we understand that making your home energy-efficient is both a financial and environmental priority. That’s why we are committed to helping you navigate through the home insulation options that are available to you in the UK. Did you know we can even help you compare double-glazed window suppliers?

By comparing trusted UK home insulation suppliers on our platform, you can make informed decisions that pave the way to substantial savings and enhanced comfort.

Compare and save on home insulation with SpotDif

The path to a warmer, more cost-effective home is just a few clicks away. Visit SpotDif today to compare the best home insulation suppliers in the UK.