Insulation statistics for British homes revealed

The DECC has just released updated quarterly figures for the levels of insulation jobs carried out in British homes.

Whilst most of the figures are up by comparison with last year, they're all down compared with the previous 3 months.

Here's a quick recap:

Cavity wall insulations decreased from 170,000 to 92,000 compared with the last quarter - a fall of 46%, but were similar to numbers installed the same time last year.

Professionally installed loft insulations fell by 45% in the last quarter, from 251,000 to 137,000, but were still up by 21% compared with the same time last year.

DIY loft insulations halved from 83,000 to 40,000 in the last quarter but were still 13% higher than last years comparative figure.

Solid wall insulations were the only one higher than the previous quarter's figures - 2,000 were carried out - a 56% rise on the previous quarter, but 25% lower than last year's comparative figure.

The DECC points out that, taking into account other schemes and new build properties built during the last quarter, there were 210,000 more homes with at least 125mm of loft insulation and 130,000 more homes with cavity wall insulation, at the beginning of July 2011 compared with April 2011.

You can read the full report, and others by visiting the DECC website - click here.

With the feeling that Autumn's well and truly here - yesterday's strong winds and wet weather a notable example - many homeowners were obviously feeling the effects of old draughty windows, as the number of homeowners enquiring after a free double glazing / replacement window quote jumped dramatically.

With the latest upvc frame designs and 'A'-rated thermal efficient glazing being offered as standard by many window companies, in a bid to woo new customers, now is a very good time to get your own double glazing quote from Window Quoter - free, instant, no obligation online quotes for your double glazed windows, doors or even a conservatory, in upvc or hardwood.

Try Window Quoter today.

photo credit: paul albertella

Coalition Government announce Green Deal for UK homeowners

Last week, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg outlined plans for the new Green Deal through which up to 14 million homes could benefit from insulation, the payment for which will be collected through energy bills, but still saving households money - some of the worst homes could save around £550 a year.

The Government will begin the legislative process this Autumn with the the scheme expected to be in effect in 2012.

The Green Deal combines economic growth whilst promoting energy efficiency. It's aim is to reduce carbon emissions by making homes warmer, saving homeowners money and stimulating 'green recovery' in jobs.

Read the full press release at cabinetoffice.gov

It's unclear at this moment whether other energy saving methods like installing double glazing etc will also be covered in the Green Deal - the Governments announcement only mentions insulation which could imply loft, cavity wall or both.

photo credit: dichohecho

Energy Suppliers were lagging behind...

You may have missed last weeks announcement on the Department of Energy & Climate Change website that an increase in the amount of energy saving home insulation installed was "kick-started" by Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne.

Energy suppliers will no longer be able to post out free energy saving lightbulbs in response to their obligations to help consumers save energy.

Instead, they'll be expected to install loft, cavity and solid wall insulation - in fact 80% of their work will be focused on these measures compared to just 60% previously.

In addition, 15% of homes helped will be those on lowest incomes or at risk of fuel poverty.

The changes mean 3.5 million more homes will benefit from some form or extra insulation, building upon the 2.5 million homes already improved since April 2008.

Read the full announcement by clicking here

photo credit: vato bob