Insulators’ lobby urges fuel poverty blackspot to give its members business

The National Insulation Association (NIA) says: “Northern Ireland suffers from the highest level of fuel poverty in the UK with households spending more of their income on fuel bills; the NIA is therefore urging householders in the province to think smart and install insulation to help climb out of fuel poverty.”

It claims an astounding 60 per cent of heat can leak through uninsulated walls and roofs.

“With the right measures put in place, householders in Northern Ireland could be saving both money and carbon,” the NIA says. “By simply installing cavity wall and loft insulation, savings of between £195 and £380 per year can be made and with current low installation costs the payback period can be as little as one to three years. The savings are even greater for insulating solid walls and lofts, between £585 and £770 per year.”

Neil Marshall, Chief Executive of the NIA, commented: “Home insulation is the single most effective method of saving money on domestic energy bills, with savings continuing year on year!

“Grants can significantly reduce the cost of improving home energy efficiency via insulation of walls, lofts and draught proofing. Fuel poverty is an escalating problem in the current economic climate but householders should be aware that installing home insulation can help combat fuel poverty.”