EDF research reveals poor insulation levels of UK housing stock

Millions of homes have an insulation age of 1976 or older – costing households up to £930 a year if they don’t make changes soon, according to a study.

An analysis of 21 million homes across England and Wales has found over half (58%) only meet insulation standards of 1976 or earlier - potentially costing households up to £930 a year if they don’t make changes soon.

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”.

It comes after additional research of 2,000 homeowners, commissioned by EDF, found just 37% have ever updated their property’s insulation.

A quarter (25%) haven’t done so because it’s too expensive, with 17% unsure of what type of insulation they require.

Jade Lewis, Chief Executive of the Sustainable Energy Association, said: 

“Energy Efficiency measures are essential foundations in our nation’s transition to Net Zero – for too long, many UK homes have remained poorly insulated and heated.

“These inefficient buildings are impacting not only our progress to Net-Zero, but also our energy security, our nation’s health and wellbeing, and are contributing to fuel poverty, which will only increase as we weather the storm of our current energy crisis."

Research conducted via Onepoll also found two-thirds of homeowners didn’t know the EPC rating of their current property.

Philippe Commare, Managing Director for Customers at EDF, said:

“As energy prices continue to rise, quality insulation is the most effective way to cut household bills permanently – however, this is often overlooked as the cost of installation is a significant barrier to many.

“That’s why it’s so important that we work with Government and industry to find new ways to get more homes insulated as soon as possible ahead of bills rising again in October.”