The Hidden Benefits of Investing in Home Energy Improvements

Improving the energy efficiency of your home may not be at the top of your to-do list but neglecting to do this can lead to higher energy bills, and living in a cold or damp home can negatively impact your health. With all of the upgrades available, it can be challenging to know where to start or what you should invest in to make the most impact.

Meet ECO 4, the government scheme that aims to reduce fuel poverty and carbon emissions by providing free energy upgrades to eligible homes in the UK.

Here are some hidden benefits you could take advantage of through the scheme.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

According to the Energy Saving Trust, around 22% of UK emissions come from household energy use, which includes heating, lighting, and appliances. Much of this energy still comes from burning fossil fuels like coal and gas, which releases harmful emissions into the atmosphere.

One way to combat this is to use less energy overall by implementing home energy improvements like better insulation or double-glazed windows to keep the heat in your home. Another way is to install renewable energy technologies in your home, such as solar panels and ground-source heat pumps, which put you in charge of your energy generation and can save you some money.

What Improvements Can You Make with ECO 4 Funding?

Insulation

Insulation is a vital piece of the home energy efficiency puzzle. Heat loss is one of the leading causes of a cold home, which can be hazardous to health, particularly for vulnerable adults and young children. North East Insulation Services offers home insulation services that suit your home.

Cavity Wall Insulation:

If your home was built after the 1920s, it likely has cavity walls. Cavity walls prevent moisture from entering the home and allow for better ventilation. Poor or no insulation in these cavities can lead to a cold home.

At NEIS, we make the process simple. We drill small holes outside your property and use specialist equipment to inject insulation into the gap, increasing its energy efficiency.

Solid Wall Insulation:

If you have an older home, you likely have solid walls. Fear not; these could still benefit from insulation. Unlike cavity wall insulation, you have two choices - you can either insulate internally or externally. Consider internal solid wall insulation if you need to maintain the appearance of the building or if you own a home made from brick, stone or concrete.

External wall insulation may be the right choice if you want to avoid loss of space and disruption inside the home.

When installing external wall insulation, we add a layer of protective render or cladding to your home at the recommended depth of 50mm to 130mm.

If you're unsure whether your home has solid or cavity walls, the graphic below can help you determine this.

Alternatively, you can contact our North East Insulation Services specialists for help determining this.

Loft and Room in Roof Insulation:

Did you know adequate loft insulation can reduce your energy bill by up to £215 a year? With around 25% of your home's heat escaping through the roof, loft insulation could be the key to reducing your bills and keeping your home warmer for longer. We work with homeowners and landlords across the UK to make this upgrade achievable.

A trained loft insulation contractor will provide all the materials and equipment necessary for the installation. We source high-quality mineral wool rolls and lay them between the beams in your loft, typically at a depth of 300mm.

Consider Investing in Energy Efficient Heating Solutions

Replacement Gas Boiler:

You likely already have a gas boiler in your home, but is it running efficiently? A poorly performing boiler can mean that your home is not being heated well and can cause the boiler to work harder, meaning more fuel consumption, a higher energy bill, and a cold house.

Thankfully, the ECO4 scheme can help you get a free boiler replacement. If your boiler is over 10 years old, you receive income-related benefits, and you own your own home, you may be eligible.

Find out what you're entitled to today.

Electric Storage Heaters:

This energy efficient electric heater generates heat through the night at a lower unit rate and slowly releases the heat throughout the day at a time that works for you. Not only is it great for your carbon footprint, but when paired with the correct tariff and lifestyle, it can be incredibly efficient to run and, in some cases, more cost-effective than gas central heating.  

Full Central Heating Installation:

At North East Insulation Services, we're experts in central heating and can install it free of charge through the ECO4 scheme. We can also include smart heating controls to ensure you get the most out of your heating system.

Learn about your eligibility for ECO4 here. 

Health Benefits

If you live in a cold home, you may be putting yourself and your loved ones at risk of common colds and diseases like high blood pressure, heart attacks and pneumonia.

Insulate yourself against the hazards of living in a cold home. Find out whether you're eligible for free home upgrades today.

North East Energy Services: Experts in ECO4

At North East Energy Services, we understand that a warm and well-insulated home is a necessity, not a luxury. Don't delay—contact our team today to learn more about the benefits of energy-efficient home upgrades.