Does Free Insulation Exist Anymore?

Gorie

I have no insulation in my loft and its COLD! Last owners removed it after some long gone squirrels made their home up there.

I have read the MSE page (https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/free-cavity-loft-insulation) but can't tell if I'd qualify for free insulation.

In short I do not think we would qualify for any means tested insulation. I have however called two companies including EON who are coming out late December to do an assessment but still couldn't tell me by phone whether I would get free insulation.

Whilst I can afford the insulation I really do not fancy laying it, don't know any local recommended trade people and like the idea of whomever installs it being a professional. Plus I love free stuff. The only thing is if I'm not eligible then I'd rather get it done now than wait until December.

Has anyone had free insulation installed recently? Any experiences?

Thanks

LewisHamilton

http://www.government-grants.co.uk/free-insulation

You can apply here.

macman

Why do you need a 'professional'? Laying loft insulation is about the easiest DIY job possible, as long as you have access, and avoid putting your foot through the ceiling. The only skill required is operating a large pair of scissors...
If you leave it until the end of winter, then what you would pay for the material will be more than cancelled out by the energy savings.
NB: without insulation, your loft should be hot, not cold.

principlecounts

Without knowing your energy provider, try:
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/free-cavity-loft-insulation#bginsulation

E.ON and NPower don't require you to be customers with them.

EDF and SSE have conditions.

I've scheduled for E.ON and NPower for a visit.

Gorie

Thanks for the replies.

That government grants website looks fairly shady... But I'll give them a go...

Macman: I would put my foot through the ceiling thats the issue... Also the whole house (loft aside) is cold I take your point thou no use waiting until the end of winter. PS in the videos I've seen online they cut the insulation with a saw! 170mm is a little thick for my scissors.

Unfortunately I read EONs T&Cs (https://www.eonenergy.com/about-eon/media-centre/eon-offers-free-cavity-wall-and-loft-insulation-for-homes-across-britain-1/) and as my cavity does not need insulating I will not qualify for free loft insulation - Why don't they tell you this on the main site?!

I guess I'll be braving the attic...

Frozen_up_north

It's worth phoning the main energy suppliers asking about deals on loft insulation. A while back there were rolls available for £1 a roll, inc free delivery (for DIY installing). I took advantage but can't remember which supplier it was... At the time similar rolls were £11 from DIY stores, so quite a saving.

Gorie

Just called five main suppliers and nothing. Again - just wait for the free home visit / assessment.

I get the impression these visits are used to sell insulation and their services to those who do not qualify but I will wait and see...

teddysmum

Frozen_up_north wrote: »

It's worth phoning the main energy suppliers asking about deals on loft insulation. A while back there were rolls available for £1 a roll, inc free delivery (for DIY installing). I took advantage but can't remember which supplier it was... At the time similar rolls were £11 from DIY stores, so quite a saving.

Npower did that, but it was quite a number of years and I think it was dependent on taking two forms of upgrade eg cavity wall insulation, too.


Another point is that you need to take adequate precautions to protect yourself from damage by individual fibres.

jk0

If you do it yourself, you can put board stilts in place first, and then board over the insulation to still give you some storage.

macman

Buy it from Wickes or whoever has an offer on, then pay someone to fit it. Half a day's work. The cold weather is already here, so why wait around for an assessment?

Gorie

Insulation shops online seem cheaper - gonna buy from them and get a personal respirator!