How to Insulate Your Home on a Budget
One of the best ways to reduce your energy bills (for both cooling and heating) is to ensure it’s properly insulated. Most new homes are already well-insulated, it’s England’s huge amount of old draughty homes that are causing issues for both being cold and spending a fortune on heating bills.
The Green Party and Lib Dems both want a nationwide program to insulate every home in the UK, that is not already insulated. This would not just keep people and pets warm, but provide skilled jobs for years to come.
Install Radiator Boosters
Radflek is a clever radiator booster (costs around £25) that has quick payback, as it reduces the amount of heat going from your radiator through the wall, and out into the fresh air. It’s a modern take on the ‘putting foil behind your radiator’. The site has full instructions on how to fit and use.
Turning down the thermostat could cause hypothermia in vulnerable people (oil-powered radiators give off cheaper and gentler heat than noisy convector heaters that pump out hot air, and could cause heatstroke in vulnerable people and pets).
How to Choose a Quality Installer
Look for approved schemes like National Insulation Association or FENSA (for windows). Good companies will supply 10-year guarantees, get several quotes in writing and read local reviews.
Ignore any company that uses pressure like ‘today only prices’. Good companies will only ask for a deposit, you only paying the full amount after the job if finished.
Recycled Newspaper Insulation
Thermofloc is made from recycled newspaper. Sold in 12kg bags, this loose-fill insulation is combined with mineral fire retardant as a cost-effective way to insulate horizontal floors and lofts. It absorbs nearly a third of its weight in moisture, and stays dry to touch (and also does not provide suitable habitats for rodents).
You pour or blow it into place and it settles into cracks and gaps, stopping heat from leaking out. It’s affordable and good for awkward spaces, thought it needs dry conditions sand not the best for DIY.
For whole-house cavity walls, professional installation is usually better.
Hemp Insulation (not the same as cannabis!)
Hempsan is made from hemp (only slightly related to cannabis, it won’t make you high!) This organic plant is good for the planet and gives good insulation. It’s easy to install for external, thermal and acoustic insulation, replacing the need for glass, polystyrene or mineral wool.
Hemp grows fast (and can be grown in England) and locks up carbon as it grows. It is resistant to mould and unwanted visitors, and lets walls breathe, to prevent damp. It’s a bit pricier than recycled newspaper, and needs firm support for ceilings, as it’s heavier. It’s also easy to cut and push into wall or loft cavities.
Straw Bale Homes (naturally insulated)
Straw bale buildings are cheap and quick and affordable to build, and naturally insulated, when plastered with clay or lime. Most straw bale (a waste product from the farming industry) is presently burned, causing climate emissions.
Straw bales have been keeping homes warm since ancient times. Although not as common in city homes, for sheds, garden offices, or DIY builds, straw is an overlooked winner. They are very affordable to build compared to bricks, and naturally fire-resistant when sealed (they have to be, under UK building laws).
No Money? Try to Get an Insulation Grant
- The Great British Insulation Scheme is for homes with bad energy ratings, and gives free or discounted loft and cavity wall insulation. You need an Energy Performance Certificate of D or lower to qualify. Private renters need landlord consent.
- ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation) is funded by energy companies to cover loft, cavity wall and sometimes solid wall insulation. It’s for low-income households and people on benefits.
- Local Authority Flex Schemes are funded by councils for families that just miss out on national schemes. Say you have a health condition or are on a low income, but just above benefit levels.
Insulating Listed and Heritage Homes
CosyGlazing is a company that offers insulation options for heritage and listed homes. Co-founder Mukti Mitchell (son of ecological writer Satish Kumar) has produced a wonderful free carbon calculator to help drastically reduce your energy bills.
A third of emissions are from heating draughty buildings. Britain has 27 million homes, so if we knocked them all down (and old buildings are part of her heritage) and built new ones, it would take 270 years. Retrofitting insulation can save owners of older homes over £1000 a year. Mukti Mitchell
Mukti’s company Mitchell & Dickinson (which specialises in insulating older heritage homes) would like to insulate Buckingham Palace, National Trust buildings and churches, that all spend a fortune on energy bills.
A third of UK emissions are from heating draughty buildings. Britain has 27 million homes, so if we knocked them all down and built new ones, it would take 270 years. Old buildings are an important part of our national heritage.
Retrofitting insulation gives people jobs, is far less expensive and uses fewer new materials. Can you imagine how many trees it would take, to rebuild 270 million windows? Insulation can save owners of older homes over £1000 a year.
This company would like to insulate Buckingham Palace, National Trust buildings and churches, that all spend a fortune on energy bills.
Classic Thatching for Roofs
Many listed buildings have thatched roofs, which use a skilled method that 40 years with good maintenance (also a good insulator).
Pretty safe if you follow fire prevention advice – do regular chimney checks, mend cracked bricks and follow log-burner fire safety advice. Never light bonfires or release fire lanterns nearby (read tips to prevent thatched roof fires).
Find a registered master thatcher via the National Society of Master Thatchers. They source materials and carry out skilled repair or installation.
Affordable Good Double Glazing Alternatives
Older homes may have charm and history, but often also have cold draughts that whistle through thin glass, especially in winter. Double glazing can make these homes warmer and quiet (and slash energy bills). But the price of installing double glazing is often too high for many people on low incomes.
Traditional double-glazed windows sometimes costs thousands of pounds, and some homes can’t install it anyway, due to regulations for listed buildings. There are other options, that you may be interested in.
Glass windows (and conservatories) can heat up quickly. So as with cars, never leave pets in warm rooms. Also never face indoor foliage to face gardens, to help stop birds flying into windows.
Secondary Glazing for Quick Insulation
Secondary glazing is when a second pane (glass or acrylic) is fitted inside the window frame, to create an insulating air gap. This makes it harder for heat to escape, or cold to enter. It works well in heritage homes, when you are not allowed to replace windows.
Secondary glazing costs 30% to 50% less per window, than double glazing. It’s best fitted by professionals. But if you’re good at DIY, you can buy kits that only need simple tools. Good for sash and casement windows, and awkward shapes.
Compared to fitting new double glazing, secondary glazing comes in at around 30% to 50% less per window. You can save even more by opting for a DIY kit instead of hiring professionals. Most kits are straightforward and only require simple tools. You’ll find solutions for sash windows, casement windows, and even awkward shapes.
The benefits are better warmth inside and noise reduction. Along with condensation control, and you can take it down for cleaning and repair.
Measure your windows carefully, as most kits have maximum and minimum sizes. Start with one room to see if there is improvement, especially in draughty rooms.
Magnetic Secondary Glazing Kits
These use lightweight and flexible plastic sheets attached with magnetic strips, to existing metal window frames. These close gaps to stop heat slipping out. They are around £50 per window, so far more affordable. Again they are simple to install, and you can remove extra glazing in summer months, if required.
One good brand is Eco.ease. Wipe down regularly to keep clear, store panels flat, and avoid sharp bends. They won’t win awards for looks, but for short-term comfort and low-cost, they’re a good option.
Thermal Blinds for Everyday Use
Thermal blinds (which cost around £40 to £100 per window) earn their name with their foldable, pocketed design. Each cell traps air, slowing the passage of warmth out and cold in. Studies show they can save up to 25% on heating bills, particularly in rooms with large windows.
They honeycomb design creates an insulating layer to reduce heat loss by up to 55%, when it’s cold outside. And these blinds also keep room temperatures more comfortable on sunny days, reducing UV rays by up to 99.9%.
In many styles and colours, there are no-drill bracket options, to fit in minutes without a screwdriver. The blinds also give privacy and manage light levels, making them ideal for living spaces, bedrooms or even kitchens.
No-Drill Shutters for Secure Insulation
No-drill shutters offer wood or faux-wood finishes that leave window frames untouched. These slot into place and seal the edges of your windows, to stop draughts from sneaking in around the sides.
They cost around £80 per window for self-fit models. Accurate measuring is key, and most brands offer guides to ensure the right fit and full coverage. Look for insulation ratings, to compare products. They can also regulate humidity by limiting air movement across cool surfaces. This cuts down on condensation, and the risk of damp.
Vacuum Insulated Glass and Triple Glazing
Vacuum Glazing is a clever solution: two glass sheets are sealed with a gap containing a vacuum, making it a strong barrier against heat loss. It’s thinner than triple glazing but insulates just as well, and prices start from around £150 to £300 per pane.
Triple glazing adds a third glass layer, boosting energy efficiency but adding weight and often needing professional fitting. Look for units with high energy ratings to ensure you get good value, and ask about grants such as the UK’s ECO4 scheme if you qualify for help with costs.
Always confirm details with your installer, and check local authority guidance before buying.
CosyGlazing for Period Properties
CosyGlazing from Mitchell & Dickinson, offers a bespoke solution ideal for heritage buildings. It uses slim aluminium frames fitted with modern glass to keep original sash or casement windows unchanged. Prices begin at £200 per window.
This system achieves up to 68% heat retention compared to single glazing and has been used in Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian homes across the UK. Customer testimonials mention noticeable differences in warmth and quietness soon after fitting.
Planning Rules and Damp Prevention
In England and Wales, internal secondary glazing rarely needs permission, since it doesn’t affect your home’s look from the outside. External changes or major upgrades may, so check with your local council if unsure.
Pair new insulation with good airflow—openable vents, extractor fans, or simple dehumidifiers—to clear out excess moisture and avoid damp. Be sure to seal window frames and check for leaks once or twice a year.
Insulation Policies and Political Promises
Insulation is a real issue these days due to the cost-of-living crisis and climate change, and is slowly creeping up the political ladder and grabbing the headlines.
The government could insulate every home in Britain that needs it. A street-by-street insulation programme lowering bills, emissions and creating jobs. Zack Polanksi, Green Party leader
Insulation policy by political party:
- Lib Dems wants to provide free insulation to all homes by 2030. Same with the Green Party.
- Labour has pledged to upgrade 5 million homes with better insulation by 2030.
- The Conservatives want 1 million homes with better insulation in the UK (there are millions more than need it).
- Reform has no insulation or climate change policy, instead it wants to drill for more oil and gas, to provide ‘cheap energy’ for customers? Yikes.
How One Company Insulated an Entire Village!
We are always being warned of huge energy price rises, and concerns over people in cold homes over winter. It’s Green Party and Lib Dem policy to fund free insulation of every older home in the UK (most newer homes are already well-insulated). This would massively reduce climate emissions and household bills, and provide skilled jobs for several years.
Devon company Mitchell & Dickenson have done this on a smaller scale, so makes a good case study. Experts in providing insulation to period homes (using initiatives like an alternative to double glazing that can be used on listed buildings), a few years ago it insulated the entire privately-owned village of Clovelly in North Devon.
The 107 homes would then benefit from lower bills, along with improved energy efficiency ratings. Around 30% of heat is lost through buildings without insulation, and the company also added draught-proofing, where needed.
The programme took a few years to complete. But even after the first winter, some residents were reporting benefits. One tenant in a four-bedroom house reported her fuel bills dropping by 50%.
