Millions of households are wasting around £500-a-year on energy bills because of inadequate, poor or aged insulation.
Experts analysing 25 million homes found 55 per cent only meet standards from 1976 - or earlier - and lose more heat through poor wall cavity, loft and floor insulation and double glazing than modern regulations insist on today. It emerged the percentage of properties with an insulation age of 2002 or younger has grown from eight per cent in 2022 to 18 per cent in 2024.
While only 41 per cent have updated their properties to meet the standards set in the 70s. But the average semi-detached homeowner could save up to £235-a-year if they upgraded their cavity walls, and a further £225 by having a well-insulated loft. And bills could be reduced by £315-a-year if solid wall insulation was updated.
The study, conducted by EDF, in partnership with property data platform Sprift, analysed the current levels of home insulation, including floor, roof, window and wall, against building regulations of homes across different time periods to calculate the nation's 'home insulation age'. Additional research, of 2,000 homeowners or renters, found 19 per cent have updated their properties since 2022.
The research will be playing a leading role in the government's Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) by seeking to extend the benefits of the scheme to more households. Philippe Commaret, managing director for customers at the energy provider, said: "It's clear from this research that, despite the energy crisis, little progress has been made in improving the energy efficiency of older British homes in the past two years, meaning millions of homeowners are missing out on significant savings on their energy bills."
The study also found 26 per cent have considered updating their insulation but not gone ahead with it. Of those, 32 per cent said it's too expensive, while 17 per cent would rather spend money elsewhere. But 69 per cent of those who have made improvements in the past two years were spurred on by the money they could save on energy bills.
While 71 per cent said it keeps their home warmer, and 38 per cent claimed the prevention of damp and mould was an important factor. It also emerged 76 per cent of respondents, polled via OnePoll, said the volatility of the energy market over the past two years has made them more concerned about energy price rises than ever before. And 55 per cent would be more likely to consider updating their homes, making them more energy efficient, if they could get financial support.
But 66 per cent were unaware of government projects to provide eligible homeowners or renters free or cheaper home insulation such as The Great British Insulation Scheme or EC04. Philippe Commaret added: "Our ongoing efforts to support and improve crucial initiatives such as the GBIS will help empower customers to embrace energy efficiency so they can save both cash and carbon."