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Home insulation help for householders
04/03/2010
Householders were today urged to insulate their homes to save hundreds of pounds on heating bills and reduce Scotland's impact on the environment.
As part of the latest phase of the Scottish Government's Go Greener campaign, Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham was joined by interior design duo Colin and Justin to help make insulation the must-have home improvement for 2010.
Safely home from their jungle exploits on 'I'm a Celebrity, Get me Out of Here', Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan helped Ms Cunningham launch the new campaign to promote the benefits of home insulation.
Speaking at the Glasgow Science Centre, Ms Cunningham said:
"Scotland is leading the world on reducing carbon emissions. Installing loft and cavity wall insulation is a great way for individuals to do their bit and stop energy bills going through the roof.
"Around one third of heat in a poorly insulated house disappears straight through the roof. Installing loft insulation helps keep the heat in and will save the average household £150 every year* through reduced energy bills.
"Loft insulation is effective for at least 40 years and, assuming an average insulation cost of £250, will pay for itself in just two years.
"As we emerge from one of the coldest winters on record and start turning our minds to home improvements and repairs I challenge any canny Scot not to see the value in investing in insulation."
Interior designer, Justin Ryan said:
"Being in the jungle was a great experience but we actually spend most of our time in Glasgow, where the temperatures aren't quite so balmy and central heating is a must during the winter.
"For us, having a fabulous home also means a home that is kind to the environment and making sure you have good insulation is an excellent way of reducing emissions, as well as saving yourself some cash." 
Fellow style guru, Colin McAllister added:
"Our own home in Glasgow is well insulated and it's good to know we're doing our bit for the environment."
The Energy Savings Trust (EST) is supporting the campaign by providing free, impartial advice on home insulation through the network of advice centres it manages on behalf of the Scottish Government.
Mike Thornton, Director, Scotland, for the Energy Saving Trust, said:
"Having your loft insulated is cheaper and easier than people think. It's important that its installed correctly so we encourage having it fitted by a professional installer and we can put those interested in touch with installers in their local area."
To find out more about having your home insulated, including grants available to help with the costs, text HEAT to 61611 and an advisor will call you back.
You can also visit the Go Greener website at www.infoscotland.com/gogreener for more information on insulation and other ways to save yourself money while helping the environment.
Average saving of £150 a year based on a three bedroom, semi-detached home with gas central heating and no loft insulation
In a house which hasn't been insulated, 26 per cent of heat is loft through the roof and 33 per cent through the walls.
If everyone in Scotland installed loft insulation up to 270mm, the financial saving would pay the fuel bills of around 47,000 families, or for the whole of East Dunbartonshire for a year - or the equivalent of £56 million. We would also save around 330,000 tonnes of CO2 every year, the equivalent of taking over 100,000 cars off Scotland's roads.
Thousands of householders have been signing up for greener, lower-carbon homes through the Scottish Government's £15 million Home Insulation Scheme now operating across 10 local authorities. The find will be increased by £10 million in the forthcoming financial year providing access to free insulation to an additional 90,000 homes.