As energy costs continue to rise, many UK households are looking for ways to make their homes more energy-efficient and reduce their energy bills. One of the most effective methods is proper insulation, particularly loft insulation. Insulating a loft can be expensive, with a standard type of loft insulation often going over £1,000. Luckily, it’s not the only option.
A government-backed Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is here to allocate free insulation grants to low-income families in the UK. The (GBIS) allows homeowners and private tenants to receive free loft insulation. It aims to support approximately 300,000 households by providing financial assistance for home insulation. In this blog, you will get the answer to ‘Can I get free loft insulation?’ and explore the details of the free loft insulation grants, its benefits, eligibility criteria, and how you can apply for free loft insulation.
Understanding the Free Loft Insulation Grants
The Great British Insulation Scheme ( ECO+) is a government initiative to improve energy efficiency in homes across the UK. Launched to combat high energy waste and support the country’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, the scheme offers financial assistance to eligible households for various insulation measures, including loft insulation.
The GBIS is part of a broader set of measures under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO), which mandates energy suppliers to support households in making energy-saving improvements. The scheme primarily targets low-income households, vulnerable individuals, and particularly energy-inefficient properties.
What is Loft Insulation?
Loft insulation is a material installed in the space between the roof and the ceiling of the top floor of a building. This space is usually called the attic. It stops heat from escaping from the living room below, which saves energy and helps keep the building at a comfortable temperature.
Why Do You Need to Insulate Your Loft?
Loft insulation is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to improve the comfort of your home. It is also cheaper than other ways to enhance your home’s energy efficiency.
Once installed, it requires little to no maintenance. It usually lasts up to 40 years and pays for itself many times over.
How Does Loft Insulation Work?
Simply put, loft insulation keeps warm air inside your home and stops it from passing through the roof. While letting moisture pass through, it will still stop humidity if appropriately placed.
In an uninsulated house, the heat you generate to keep yourself warm will escape through the walls, floor, doors, and windows—primarily through the roof, via your loft. This leaves you generating more heat than you need, increasing your energy bills and carbon footprint.
Many of us already know how loft insulation works. If you’re curious about why and how it works, the answer lies in the science of thermodynamics.
What Are The Main Types of Loft Insulation?
The “best” type will depend on your needs, which will be affected by the size of your home, the area you want to insulate, and your eligibility.
There are plenty of options, and finding the right one for you depends on the layout of your loft and your personal preferences.
These are the five best types of loft insulation:
- Spray foam insulation
- Blown fibre insulation
- Blanket insulation
- Loose-fill insulation
- Sheet insulation
Spray foam, blown fibre, and sheet insulation are applied to the loft’s inner roof, while a blanket and loose-fill insulation is installed on the floor.
Eligibility Criteria for the Free Loft Insulation Grant
You must meet specific eligibility criteria for free loft insulation under the GBIS. These criteria ensure that the scheme benefits those who need it most. Let’s learn the eligibility criteria and get the answer to your query on ‘How can I get a grant for loft insulation.’ Here is a list of the eligibility requirements you must meet:
The scheme is primarily aimed at low-income households. You may qualify if you receive certain benefits, such as:
Household Category | Low-Income Group | General Group |
Owner Occupiers | If the household owns the home and its EPC is D or below, it can receive any qualifying insulation measure, plus heating controls. | 1. Must be living in a Council Tax band A-D home in England or A-E in Scotland and Wales 2. If the household owns the home and EPC D or below, they can get any qualifying insulation measure. |
Private Rented | Private renters with a home EPC rating of D or E can receive any qualifying insulation measure. | Private renters with home EPC D or E can receive any qualifying insulation measure other than cavity wall insulation and loft insulation. |
Social Housing | If the household lives in EPC E or below social housing, it can receive any qualifying insulation measure. Only a qualifying modern measure is allowed if the home is EPC E, F, or G. | All social renters are covered in the low-income group. |
Property Type: Your property must be suitable for loft insulation. This means that the loft should be accessible, and there should be no significant structural issues that would prevent insulation installation.
Existing Insulation: If your home already has some insulation, it must be insufficient (typically less than 100mm thick) to qualify for an upgrade under the scheme.
Applying for the Free Loft Insulation Scheme
Applying for loft insulation under the Great British Insulation Scheme involves several steps. Follow the below steps:
Check Eligibility: First, check if you meet the above eligibility criteria. If you’re unsure, we offer free eligibility checks.
Choose a Provider: We are a leading company providing high-quality insulation installation under GBIS. Contact us to start the process(—–).
Assessment: After that, we will arrange a home assessment. Our qualified assessor will visit your property to evaluate your insulation needs and confirm your eligibility.
Approval and Installation: If you’re approved for the scheme, we will arrange a date for the installation. Professional installers will carry out the work, ensuring it meets the required standards.
Post-Installation Inspection: After the installation, there may be a follow-up inspection to ensure the insulation has been installed correctly and effectively.
Benefits of Loft Insulation
Adding loft insulation is one of the most affordable ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Here are a few key benefits:
Heat Retention: Insulating your loft helps prevent heat from escaping through the roof. This means your heating system doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature. And it also reduces energy consumption and costs.
Reduced Energy Bills: Proper loft insulation can significantly reduce heat loss through the roof. It leads to lower heating costs. Homeowners can save up to £225 annually on energy bills.
Increased Comfort: Insulating your loft helps maintain a more consistent indoor temperature. It also makes your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Environmental Impact: Loft insulation helps lower carbon emissions by reducing energy consumption, contributing to a greener environment.
Increased Property Value: Energy-efficient homes are more attractive to buyers, potentially increasing the resale value of your property.
Quick Payback: The initial cost of loft insulation is relatively low, and the savings on energy bills mean that the investment typically pays for itself within a few years.
Final Thoughts
Hope the above guide has been clear to you on ‘how can you get a grant for loft insulation.’ Insulating your loft is a great way to preserve heat and reduce energy bills. Usually, a quarter of all household heat is lost through the roof in uninsulated homes. The Great British Insulation Scheme offers UK households a valuable opportunity to improve their energy efficiency and reduce their energy bills through a free loft insulation grant. By meeting the eligibility criteria and following the application process, you can benefit from a warmer, more comfortable home and contribute to a greener environment.
Taking advantage of the GBIS could be a significant step towards a more energy-efficient and cost-effective home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, households who live in England council tax bands A to D or Scotland and Wales council tax bands A to E can get a free loft insulation grant through the Great British Insulation Scheme.
24% of a house’s heat is lost through the roof. Insulating your loft, attic, or flat roof is an excellent way to keep heat in and lower your heating bills. If you install loft insulation properly, it should pay for itself many times over the 40 years it lasts.
Yes, the GBIS includes different types of insulation, such as cavity wall insulation, solid walls, and underfloors. The exact steps you can take will depend on what your home needs and whether you are eligible.
Quilt insulation costs around £400, while some kinds of spray foam insulation cost around £90 per m². Adding 270 mm of recommended thickness to existing insulation can cost around £500, but putting in 270 mm of recommended thickness loft insulation from scratch can cost up to £700.
