A high level of insulation in floors, walls and lofts is the most effective way to reduce energy requirements in the home. There are many grants available to help to cover the cost of insulation improvements (see below). Areas of the house to think about are:

Hot water tank: Fitting an insulating jacket around the hot water tank is relatively easy and cheap and will immediately start to save energy and money. Pre-cut jackets cost from around £5 to £15 and can pay for themselves within a year as they save up to 45% of heat losses. Touch your hot water tank; if it feels warm it needs more insulation.

Loft: The loft is the easiest and most cost effective place to start with insulation improvements. It is now recommended to have 20cm of insulating material in our lofts, or more if there is space. Grants are available for loft insulation, and if you are over 70, on benefits or on a low income you should be able to get free insulation.

Walls: If you have cavity walls then this is relatively easy, as you can get them filled with insulation. If you don’t have cavity walls, options include cladding or creating your own cavity with internal plasterboard. There are also highly efficient, thin, rigid foam sheets, some of which are already bonded to plasterboard. These will help limit the amount of internal space lost.iency of the home, good insulation also helps with sound-proofing so is worth considering for partition walls as well as exterior walls. Grants are available for cavity wall insulation, and if you are over 70, on benefits or on a low income you should be able to get free insulation.

Windows and Doors: If you don’t already have double glazing then consider installing it. If you can’t have double glazing, because planning legislation doesn’t allow, then you could consider secondary glazing on the interior side instead. When purchasing any glazing, opt for wooden frames rather than UPVC frames; they are better for the environment and easier to repair. When considering spending money on windows, however, do be aware that a typical house only loses 10% of total energy through the windows, compared with around 60% through the walls and roof.

Insulation materials themselves vary in their sustainability. For example, natural alternatives such as WarmCel (recycled newspaper) require less energy in their production than do artificial materials such as fibreglass or rockwool. Natural insulation materials are also easier to dispose of at the end of their life than their artificial counterparts, can make for healthier home air quality, and can perform better in terms of breathability and moisture capture.

For information and advice on the most appropriate forms of insulation for your home, energy efficiency and on eligibility for grants, try one of the following:

Mendip Energy Volunteers (see main menu): This scheme is run by the independent organisation Mendip Environment. If you live in Mendip, you can have a free household energy audit carried out by a trained volunteer, which will include advice on potential grants available for insulating lofts and cavity walls. Call 08450 177016 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Bristol and Somerset Energy Efficiency Advice Centre: Free and impartial information and advice on energy efficiency and grants for energy efficiency measures. The centre runs the Somerset Warm and Well scheme which is available to nearly all householders and offers help towards loft and cavity wall insulation improvements. Telephone 0800 512012. The advice centre is run by the Centre for Sustainable Energy in Bristol (CSE): a charitable company based in Bristol that provides education and training, advice and information, and runs projects like Warming Mendip. Call 0117 9341400 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Grants from your fuel provider: Some energy companies offer grants for energy efficiency measures including low energy light bulbs and insulation. Telephone your supplier (number should be on your bills) to find out what they offer.

Energy Saving Trust: This is a non-profit organisation, set up to promote sustainable and efficient use of energy. From their website you can find out about insulation materials as well as other energy saving products.

Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) was set up to help identify globally sustainable and ecologically sound technologies and ways of life. Its main focuses are renewable energy, environmental building, energy efficiency, organic growing and alternative sewage systems, and they have an online green shop. CAT also has a very knowledgeable and friendly information and advice service: call 01654 705989 only with specific and brief enquiries, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

National Energy Foundation (NEF): NEF is an independent educational charity that is working for more efficient, innovative and safe use of energy. Its activities include consultancy, energy advice and local grant information. Call 01908 665555 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.