Internal wall insulation grants are available in the UK to assist low income households improve the energy efficiency of their homes, and is one of the most effective home insulation strategies available.

This method can enhance energy efficiency from the inside out, particularly in homes with cavity walls.

Consumer Rights are here to aid homeowners, landlords and tenants access internal wall insulation grants.

Why should you insulate your internal walls?

If you reside in the UK, installing internal wall insulation can be a wonderful way to increase the energy efficiency of your home. Adding insulation to your interior walls prevents heat loss and keeps your home warm during the winter.

This is particularly essential in the UK, where winters can be quite cold. A well-insulated interior wall functions as a thermal barrier and reduces heat transfer through the walls. This will result in lower heating costs during the winter months.

Internal wall insulation aids in temperature regulation by minimising cold spots within a room. It maintains a rooms temperature in winter and summer.

Numerous British residences, particularly older ones, lack sufficient insulation. Therefore, adding internal wall insulation can be one of the most effective methods to reduce energy costs and make your home more comfortable throughout the year.

Types of materials for internal wall insulation

There are a variety of materials that can be used for internal wall insulation, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Common options include:

  • Mineral fibre insulation: Mineral fibre insulation is made of minerals such as rock or glass. Mineral fibre insulation has a high fire resistance, making it a safe choice for your home. 
  • EPS (expanded polystyrene) insulation: EPS insulation is lightweight and simple to install. It acts like a fluffy foam, trapping heat and keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. 
  • Polyurethane foam insulation: If you want top-notch thermal performance, polyurethane foam insulation is the way to go. It’s a superhero in the face of temperature extremes, keeping your home at a comfortable temperature all year. 

While mineral wool is fire-resistant and provides excellent acoustic insulation, EPS is lightweight and simple to install. In contrast, polyurethane foam has a high thermal resistance but is more expensive.

Available grants for internal wall insulation

Internal wall insulation costs can vary based on variables such as the residence size, the insulation material selected, and the installation method. However, grants are available for internal wall insulation, enabling homeowners, landlords and tenants to implement this energy-saving measure. 

At Consumer Rights, we strive to simplify the search and application for these grants. They can substantially reduce the insulation costs, making it a viable option for many homeowners.

There are a number of UK grants available, the main grant for internal wall insulation at this moment in time is accessed via an ECO4 Grant.

ECO4 scheme

The Energy Company Obligation is a British government scheme for energy efficiency that is administered by Ofgem. ECO4 is in it’s fourth phase, a government-funded scheme that improves the energy efficiency of households in the UK and combats fuel poverty.

Since 2013, over 3.1 million home improvements have been completed as part of the programme, but this final phase intends to go even further.

If eligible, we can help with the whole application process and assist you with enjoying a warmer more energy efficient home with cheaper annual energy bills.

Eligibility

Individuals who receive the following means-tested benefits may be eligible for internal wall insulation:

  • Income-related jobseeker’s allowance
  • Income-related employment and support allowance
  • Income support
  • Pension credit guarantee credit
  • Pension credit cavings credit
  • Working tax credit
  • Universal benefits
  • Housing benefit
  • Child tax credit 
  • Child benefit (With dependencies) 

The LA Flex scheme

The government provides grant funding for energy efficient upgrades through the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme. The LA Flex scheme is one of the opportunities available to homeowners, tenants, and landlords through ECO4. However, it is essential to note, not every local council will offer LA Flex. 

The following may be available to you through the LA Flex scheme:

To be eligible for the LA Flex fund, you must satisfy one or more of the following requirements:

  • Low-income: If the household income is less than £31,000 before tax you will qualify through route 1 of the LA Flex scheme.
  • Certain conditions that are impacted by the cold: Those with respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, neurobiological disease, cancer, limited mobility, or autoimmune and immunological diseases will qualify via route 3 of the LA Flex scheme. 

The Great British Insulation Scheme

Individuals can easily obtain funding for internal wall insulation through the Great British Insulation Scheme.

The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is a supplier obligation being developed by the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero of the UK government. The purpose of the scheme is to improve the energy efficiency of British residences.

Applicants must determine if they satisfy the schemes eligibility requirements, typically income and property type. If you are eligible, an assessor will they be asssigned to come and take measurements from your house.

If the property is deemed suitable for internal wall insulation following the survey, individuals may be eligible for financial assistance or grants to cover a substantial portion of the installation costs.

When funding is released for GBIS, this post will be updated accordingly. 

Installation process

Installation techniques for internal wall insulation include dry lining, insulated plasterboard use, and structural wall construction. Professional installation is necessary to ensure the task is done correctly and safely.

Unlike other insulation techniques requiring extensive exterior work, this method requires minimal exterior disruption.

Check if you qualify

Insulation also plays an important role in combating fuel poverty by allowing vulnerable households to maintain comfortable temperatures without incurring exorbitant energy costs. Check your eligibility for funding here if you want to learn how to insulate your home.

Final Thoughts

Internal wall insulation can be a worthwhile energy-saving upgrade for many residences in the UK. Although it requires an initial investment, the long-term savings on heating costs and enhanced comfort make it a wise decision.

A substantial portion of an eco-friendly, cost-effective home improvement endeavour can be covered. Use only a reputable installer for professional insulation installation, we can assist you with this if you need help.

With the appropriate installation, your home will be warmer and more energy-efficient for decades.