According to a recent story in the Times the Governments advisory body on domestic energy use has announced that poorly insulated homes should be banned from being sold or rented. Further more the Energy Saving Trust has released figures showing that 5.5 million homes in the UK are in the lowest two energy performance bands. This equates to a fifth of all homes.

The latest figures have also led the trust to believe that tougher measures need to be introduced in order to help the government reach its carbon dioxide emissions target. Suggestions have included additional stamp duty and higher council tax. This will undoubtedly be unpopular with many home owners however the trust estimates that these homes could be made fit for less than £5000.

Since the introduction of the energy performance certificate in October home owners have been required to disclose the efficiency levels of their homes once they come to sell them. Many of the homes that fall in to the lower categories may find it difficult to sell as buyers are looking for efficient homes.

The trusts final comments included suggestions that measures should be introduced to force home owners to improve the energy performance of their home before they can extend it. Planning permission would be granted if improvements were made. Currently these are all planned measures and nothing has been introduced as of yet.

Figures from other recent studies show that weatherisation of a home can reduce heating costs by as much as 25% and is a high priority for many. Insulation has been one of the key areas being highlighted. This is because of its effectiveness and low cost. People are also able to apply for grants from the government for such upgrades.

Traditionally people would look to make asthetic upgrades to their home with wall painting being one of the nations favourite home improvement activity. With people spending on average £5,300 a year on home improvements people are taking much more consideration in to where to make their improvements. Interiors remain high on peoples list but the sudden rise in areas such as insulation are set to continue.

Where Should Home Owners Make Improvements

The development of new technologies and initiatives means that people have plenty of options when coming to make cost saving improvements. As mentioned earlier insulation is one of the best things you can do to reduce your heating costs. Insulation also creates a comfortable environment and certain types will last for many years. Because asthetics are still very important to people many look to buy designer but efficient appliances. This is particularly true with bathroom items such as taps and showers. Another growing sector is solar panels as the technology is becoming more efficient. They are also widely available.

With any of these improvements the key is to review what your initial outlay will be in comparison to savings made. All have their own advantages and it pays to see how the benefits could relate to your home.

Further Reading

http://blog.taragana.com/pr/average-spend-on-home-improvements-reaches-gbp5300-2436/

http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/home-improvement/energy-side1.asp

http://www.hometips.com/diy-how-to/home-improvement-cut-costs.html

Home insulation grants have been a hotly debated topic in recent months as many people are confused by what is on offer to them and how they can take advantage of the home insulation grants. At Sprayseal we thought it would be useful to explain some of the finer points and give you some useful resources which you can go away and look at.

We will firstly point out that the insulation grants are only one part of the the energy efficiency grants on offer by the Government and local authorities.

Who The Grant Is Available To?

The media points heavily towards the fact that old age pensioners and people on low incomes are the main ones to benefit from the grants however they are available to any house hold in the UK. It is just that these groups of people get extra attention.

The scheme in England is known as Warmfront and they have the following criteria that needs to be met in order for you to be eligable.

- You are a home owner
- You rent a property from a private land lord
And If
- You are over the age of 60 and are on one or more benefits
- You have a child under 16 or are an expectant mother and on benefits such as income support
- You are on an income of less than £15,466 and are recieving one or more benefits

Who Offer Grants

One of the main suppliers of the grants is the Government itself and they provide up to £2700 pounds to help improve home efficiency. This covers home insulation.

Another of the main providers are energy suppliers. The Government has urged them to cut down on waste and become more efficient. This has lead to many of the main suppliers using better equipment and providing offers and grants. You can also take up offers from any supplier regardless of who you pay your bills to.

Finally and probably most crucially your local authorities offer home energy efficiency grants. If you contact your local authority then they should point you in the right decision.

Home Insulation Grants Resources

To find offers and grants available to you then checkout http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/gid

Resources

Energy Saving Trust – Energy Saving Tool

http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Home-Improvements/The-Energy-Saving-House

Excellent resource to looking at areas to make home improvements to.

Low Carbon Building Scheme

http://www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk/home/

If you are looking at renewable energy sources and want information grants then these could help significantly.

Home Energy Saving Programme

http://www.number10.gov.uk

Page about the scheme launched by the Prime Minister

Source: thingermejig

Back in July British Gas warned that gas bills could rise by as much as 60% over the next four years leaving people with bills surpassing the £1000 pound mark. The news not well recieved and people started looking at ways to reduce their energy bills. Insulation has so far proved the most popular method.

The energy saving initiative launched by the government in September should also go down well with members of the general public as it gives people the opportunity to get grants for their home insulation. This makes the option much more viable and insulation companies are enjoying the extra business.

The added costs to the average house hold bills coupled with the credit crunch has hit the nation hard. The days of cheap energy are gone. Energy experts are advising the use of insulation and that people should get their properties for the winter months. Our advice is have your insulation installed properly and enjoy the reduced bills for many years to come.

Resources:

Gas bills to soar over £1,000

Energy Efficiency Initiative Promotion

Am I eligible for any of the government’s latest insulation grants?