Solid Wall Insulation can dramatically prevent heat loss and therefore save money for householders. The National Insulation Association summarise the advantages of using the Green Deal to assist in this process
The Green Deal Home Improvement Fund (GDHIF) in England & Wales enables householders to carry out improvements to the energy efficiency of their properties in order to reduce heating bills and claim up to £6000 for Solid Wall Insulation (SWI). The GDHIF scheme is not means tested or restricted by area or property type; therefore they are open to everyone.
The UK’s housing stock is estimated at approximately 24.5 million dwellings, of that approximately 36% consist of non-cavity wall construction – solid brick, solid stone, pre 1944 timber frame and non-traditional, i.e concrete construction.
It is estimated that if you live in a home without insulation of solid walls, 45% of the heat is escaping which obviously costs money. Insulating the walls will dramatically prevent that heat loss in the winter months.
Improving the thermal efficiency of solid-wall properties is an area which has massive potential for the future, as this is an area where very little work has been done to date. However, more and more individuals are now starting to recognise the advantages of insulating such households and this is an area which is now seeing a real growth with many cost-effective solutions now available.
The advantages include:
- Solving of condensation problems;
- Makes the home warm and cosy;
- Reduces fuel bills;
- Saves up to 45% of heat loss;
- Minimum disruption for the householder;
- Internal Wall Insulation: quick and easy to install, improves the thermal efficiency;
- External Wall Insulation: improves appearance of the building.
To insulate a solid wall it still must comply with the current Building Regulations. The main condition to meet is the thermal performance of the insulated wall. In England or Wales it must have a U-value of no more than 0.30 W/m2K. The U-value is a measure of how quickly heat will pass through the wall – as a rough guide around 60mm to 120mm of insulation is required to achieve this, depending on what insulation material is used.
Neil Marshall, Chief Executive of the NIA commented:
“The NIA welcomes the launch of the GDHIF and the Government’s continued commitment to helping households to address their cost of living.
“The new GDHIF scheme provides a tremendous opportunity for both householders and the insulation industry and we are actively promoting the scheme to consumers, and recommending that they choose NIA members to carry out the work in order to obtain additional peace of mind. NIA members are required to meet our robust membership criteria and sign up to a strict code of professional practice.
“Since the launch of the GDHIF we have been actively communicating the scheme to consumers via the media, consumer groups and charities. We have also set up a new dedicated section on our website with links to our Green Deal Installer and Provider members and DECCs quick guides on the scheme.”
Marshall added: “We have also been actively promoting the scheme to our members and encouraging them to register for it.”
Under the new GDHIF householders can apply for:
- 75% of the cost of Solid Wall Insulation up to a maximum of £6000;
- Up to £1000 for installing two measures from an approved list including cavity wall insulation;
- Up to £100 refund for their Green Deal Assessment Report if at least one recommended measure is installed.
The funding scheme also entitles those who have bought a property in the 12 months before applying to qualify for an additional £500 if they carry out energy efficiency improvements.
Energy & Climate Change Minister, Greg Barker said on the day of the launch: “The Coalition Government is actively helping British consumers cut their energy bills and make their homes warmer and greener too.
“Today, the brand new GDHIF opens for business – offering people up to £7,600 to help pay for an exciting range of energy efficiency improvements. People should apply now for this unmissable offer and cut their bills before next winter.”
Green Deal Providers and Insulation Installers wishing to benefit from the NIA’s promotion of the scheme and signposting of consumers to its members should contact the NIA as soon as possible to apply for membership.
The NIA represents the manufacturers, system designers and installers of cavity wall, external wall and internal wall insulation, loft insulation and draught proofing. ■
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The National Insulation Association (NIA)
Tel: 08451 636363
