11 Oct 2014
Millions of people risk not claiming free money-saving improvements because they don't realise their home is eligible for help. Research by British Gas has uncovered that only one in five people believe their home qualifies for free insulation, despite it being available to 90% of homes that need it.
With British Gas and the Government now working together to roll out loft and cavity insulation to even more homes across the UK, this could mean millions of people will miss out on average annual savings on their energy bills of up to £150 from free loft insulation and up to £145 with cavity wall insulation.
The research discovered the majority of people (53%) assume free insulation is only available to low income households or those on benefits. Yet 90% of homes that need it will get it free from British Gas, irrespective of their location.
Renters may also miss out on getting the improvements their home is entitled to, as more than half of people surveyed (51%) didn't know rented properties are also eligible.
Claire Miles, Managing Director of British Gas New Energy, said: “It's easy to see why people may not realise their home is eligible, as previous schemes mainly helped low income and vulnerable households in order to provide support to those who need it most. However, British Gas is committed to rolling out help much more widely, with 9 out of 10 homes that need insulation getting it free from British Gas.
“It's quick and easy to find out if your home needs free insulation and you don't even need to be a British Gas customer. The research has shown us that people think installing insulation is a time consuming, difficult process, but it actually takes less than a day, and there are no hidden costs or commitments. Plus the great news is that you'll see a real difference in how much warmer your home is, and on your energy bills. We'd urge everyone to find out if their home needs help to avoid missing out.”
Many people don't realise what a difference installing energy efficiency measures like loft insulation can make to your energy consumption and bank account, but more than two thirds of people (69%) would be likely to apply for help if they thought their home was eligible. However, a massive 80% of respondents felt they were more likely to sign up for free insulation after becoming aware it could help them save up to £150 on their energy bills every year. For more information and to find out if your home needs free insulation, visit www.britishgas.co.uk/insulation or call 0800 691 1962.
British Gas will send an Energy Expert to homes to carry out a free, no obligation survey. If the home needs insulation, 90% will be able to obtain this free of charge. All the work is carried out by qualified installers.
The savings figures are sourced from the Energy Saving Trust and actual savings depend on individual circumstances
Free installations are available through the Energy Company Obligation and are subject to assessment, technical survey and eligibility criteria
About the polling
Redshift Research carried out a poll of over 3,000 UK adults in September 2014 About British Gas British Gas is the UK's leading energy supplier, and serves around 11 million homes in Britain – nearly half the country's homes. British Gas Business provides energy to one million UK businesses. British Gas provides value for money, dedicated customer service, innovative energy solutions and the highest quality Home Services expertise in the country.
Find out more at www.britishgas.co.uk.