Millions of households are wasting around £500 a year on energy bills, survey finds

MILLIONS of households are wasting around £500 a year on energy bills because of inadequate, poor or aged insulation.

Experts analysing 21 million homes found 55% only meet standards from 1976 or earlier.

The research shows that some homes 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 8% in 2022 to 18% in 2024.

While only 41% 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, 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 that 19% 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.

This means millions of homeowners are missing out on significant savings on their energy bills.”

The study also found that 26% have considered updating their insulation but not gone ahead with it.

Of those, 32% said it’s too expensive, while 17% would rather spend money elsewhere.

But 69% 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% said it keeps their home warmer, and 38% claimed the prevention of damp and mould was an important factor.

It also emerged that 76% 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% would be more likely to consider updating their homes, making them more energy efficient, if they could get financial support.

However, 66% 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.”

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