How much energy does loft insulation save?
Insulating your loft will almost certainly save you money. But how much? And what kind of loft insulation costs can you expect? We take a look
How much energy does loft insulation save?
Insulating your loft will almost certainly save you money. But how much? And what kind of loft insulation costs can you expect? We take a look.
Loft insulation involves adding material in your attic to reduce heat loss. Depending on your home, it costs between £300-£1,100 to install. But it can be well worth the cost, as it can significantly reduce energy bills.
If you’re receiving certain benefits, you may be eligible for free insulation or help with loft insulation costs through the Energy Company Obligations (ECO) scheme.
What are the benefits of loft insulation?
Energy-efficient loft insulation is beneficial for your wallet, your home and the planet:
Reduces your energy bills: A quarter of heat is lost through the roof of an uninsulated home. Getting loft insulation is an effective way of cutting down on your household expenses, as you won’t have to use as much energy to keep your home warm. Depending on your home, it can save up to £380 a year on energy bills.
Keeps your home warmer: Like a woolly hat, loft insulation acts as an energy-efficient protective layer, keeping the warm air snugly inside your home.
Cuts your carbon footprint: You'll need less energy to heat your home, leading to lower carbon emissions. According to the Energy Saving Trust, detached houses can cut down on 1,000kg of CO2 produced after loft insulation, while semi-detached and terraced houses can save 600kg and 550kg respectively.
Can I get a grant for loft insulation in the UK?
Yes, there are certain grants and schemes that oblige your energy supplier to help with loft insulation costs. Depending on your circumstances and your provider, you might get insulation installed entirely for free, or you may get a partial grant to cover some of your loft insulation costs:
Energy Company Obligations (ECO4) scheme: This government scheme offers free loft insulation if you or someone in your household is on certain benefits, such as Universal Credit or Jobseeker's Allowance, and your home has a poor Energy Performance Certificate rating (EPC ratings E, F and G).
Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS): This government scheme tackles fuel poverty by offering support to low-income and vulnerable households, as well as anyone living in a home with an EPC rating of D-G, and within Council Tax bands A-D in England and A-E in Scotland and Wales.
Local councils: Check with your local council to see if they offer any grants.
Is loft insulation worth it?
When it comes to the cost of loft insulation and the annual savings it can bring, the figures are quite compelling for long-term savings. It can pay for itself in as little as 2 years and 11 months if you're living in a detached house.
Property Type | Insulation Cost | Annual Savings | Payback time |
|---|---|---|---|
Detached house | £1,100 | £380 | 2 years 11 months |
Semi-detached house | £900 | £230 | 3 years 11 months |
Mid-terrace house | £850 | £200 | 4 years 3 months |
Detached bungalow | £1,200 | £370 | 3 years 3 months |
Beyond the cost savings, making your home more energy efficient can boost its market value, for example, improving your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating from a G to an A rating can increase property value by up to 14%.
Source: Energy Saving Trust, based on going from no insulation at all to mineral-wool insulation of 270mm at October 2024's fuel prices.
Is DIY loft insulation possible?
If you’re a dab hand at DIY, it is possible to install loft insulation yourself and save a bit of money. Blanket insulation is readily available at DIY stores, and many online tutorials can guide you through the process.
You just need to make sure your loft is easily accessible, not boarded, and is not a flat roof. Furthermore, you should ensure you have no health issues that prevent you from working in dusty environments.
However, it's important to take the necessary precautions against damp and ensure proper joist spacing.
For lofts with damp roofs or complex layouts, or with electrical cabling, you should always seek professional help with installation. This is particularly important if you need the insulation to meet building standards for resale or EPC improvements, or if you want to be eligible for certain grants or schemes.
Where can I find a professional?
If you're looking for professional insulation services, look for companies that are members of the National Insulation Association (NIA).
They have resources available on their website to help you find a reputable installer.
How does loft insulation work?
The materials
Loft insulation comes in various materials, such as foil-backed felt or mineral fibre, which effectively act like blankets over your home to prevent heat loss.
For those hard-to-reach areas, materials like polyurethane foam or mineral wool might be used.
Cold loft vs warm loft
Insulation is usually installed between the joists in your loft – this is known as 'cold loft' insulation.
This type of insulation is relatively easy to install and is suitable for those interested in DIY.
On the other hand, 'warm loft' insulation is necessary for loft conversions or when the loft space itself is heated.
This is a more complex job and usually requires professional installation.
For difficult access lofts
In lofts where access is tricky, loose-fill insulation made from materials like cork granules or recycled newspapers can be used.
Professional installation for these types might involve techniques like blown-fibre or sprayed polyurethane foam.
What is the best type of loft insulation?
The best type of insulation for your loft will depend on the size and accessibility of your loft space.
It's always best to get professional advice and installation to ensure the most effective insulation for your home.
Blanket insulation
Made from insulation materials like fibreglass or mineral wool, this is one of the most common and cheapest types of insulation and can be quite eco-friendly
Loose fill
This type can vary in material, from cork granules to old newspaper, and is suitable for topping up existing insulation
Sheet insulation
These are thick boards that are ideal for loft conversions and can be finished, such as being painted over
Blown fibre
This involves loose materials that are blown into place and is often used to supplement existing insulation
Spray foam insulation
As the name 'spray foam' suggests, this entails spraying a liquid between your joists that expands, the solidifies to plug the gaps. But be careful: it can cause ventilation problems
Other forms of home insulation
Solid wall insulation can save you up to £550 a year if you lived in a detached house.
Cavity wall insulation can save you up to £410 a year if you lived in a detached house.
Frequently asked questions
How much loft insulation do I need?
It’s recommended that you insulate your loft to a depth of 250mm to 270mm. It's important to check what you currently have, as insulation guidelines have increased from the previous standard of 100mm.
Should I replace old loft insulation?
Whether to replace your old loft insulation depends on its condition and your willingness to undertake the task.
Often, it's advised to supplement old insulation with new layers to improve efficiency and increase savings.
Can I use my loft for storage with loft insulation?
Yes, but with caution. Insulation should not be compressed by storage items, as this reduces its effectiveness.
Options to consider include using insulation boards with a top layer to protect the insulation or raising the loft floor to accommodate both insulation and storage.
How do I insulate a loft conversion?
Loft conversions require 'warm loft' insulation, which is more costly but offers greater savings and comfort.
Due to the complexity and risks of damp, professional installation is highly recommended.
Does a flat roof need insulation?
Like pitched roofs, flat roofs also benefit from insulation. Although usually more complex and costly to install, the savings and benefits are similar.
Do I need to insulate my pipes?
In cold lofts, it's essential to insulate pipes to prevent them from freezing or bursting.
Water tanks should be insulated on the top and sides, but not underneath unless they are raised above the insulation to prevent heat from escaping.
Can you put too much insulation in the loft?
While it might seem like more is better, it's crucial to maintain adequate ventilation in your loft to prevent condensation and damp issues.
It's always best to have professional installation to ensure the right balance is achieved.
What's the difference between loft insulation and roof insulation?
The principal difference is that loft insulation is installed on the floor of your loft, while roof insulation is installed on the underside of your roof.
Roof installation is often undertaken is the loft has been converted into a living space.
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Ashton Berkhauer
General Manager • Commercial
Currently the General Manager for Home Services and Mortgages, Ashton observes the markets and, along with his team, strives to get the best possible solutions for consumers. The products within his...
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