Survey reveals heat loss in the District

One in three residents living in the north of Sevenoaks and Edenbridge do not have home insulation, according to the results of a new survey. Taking steps to insulate their home would not only keep them warm during the winter months but also save them between £70 and £100 every year on fuel bills.

The survey was carried out on behalf of Sevenoaks District Council by the Kent Energy Centre through its 'Hotspots' project. It used data from the census, local authority databases and home energy checks to identify areas that have a high proportion of un-insulated cavity walls and lofts.

The survey showed that 33% of residents in north Sevenoaks and 31% in north Edenbridge need cavity wall insulation and 16% of residents in Swanley and White Oak need loft insulation.

Cavity walls that are un-insulated, allow one third of a home’s energy to escape. Loft insulation is an efficient way of keeping the temperature of a home constant, and doesn’t allow heat to escape during those long winter nights when people need heat the most. Un-insulated lofts lose energy and therefore increase heating bills.

All householders are eligible for these grants, worth up to £307. Installing 250mm (10 inches) of loft insulation typically costs only £100 and installation of cavity wall insulation, typically only £125 (or £175 for detached houses). In addition, residents on means-tested benefits can have the installations at no cost. Installations are made by selected and quality checked installers who work to the discounted price guidelines.

Cllr Carol Clark, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Housing, says: "The results of this survey are very revealing and show that there are certain areas of the District that would greatly benefit from cavity wall and loft insulation. Especially during the winter months it is vital that people stay warm at home and by taking advantage of these grants residents will not only be doing this, but also in the long run they will be saving money on fuel bills."

Residents living in the areas that have been identified by the survey will shortly receive leaflets detailing the environmental and financial benefits of home insulation and posters will go up in the areas.

Residents interested in saving energy and money by installing loft or cavity wall insulation should call Kent Energy Centre on 0800 358 6669 or log on to www.kentenergycentre.org.uk

For further information please contact: Nick Mann on 01732 227162 or e-mail nicholas.mann@sevenoaks.gov.uk