Insulation and Glazing News
Is loft insulation still worth it at current prices? Has the Energy Company Obligation changed, and who qualifies now? Are double glazing prices falling, and do window rules differ in flats or listed homes?
Every insulation and glazing story we have reported, newest first: grants, costs, materials, rules and the companies behind them. Each one links to our guides on what it means for you.
- September 2026
Reformed EPC regulations to be brought into force in autumn 2026
Reformed Energy Performance Certificate regulations in Scotland are due to come into force in autumn 2026, introducing a new Heat Retention Rating on domestic certificates.
- August 2026
Guidance page revised on EPC changes
The Scottish Government has revised its EPC guidance and added a page setting out how Energy Performance Certificates change from 30 April 2028, with new ratings and a shorter validity period.
Four updated MCS product standards come into effect
Four updated MCS product standards take effect on 1 August 2026, with a six-month grace period for solar PV products whose certificates are withdrawn on the same date.
UK Government to consult on raising minimum rented EPC rating to C by 2030
The UK Government will consult on raising the minimum energy efficiency rating for privately rented homes in England and Wales to EPC C or its equivalent by 2030, up from the current minimum of E.
Ofgem wrote to 65,000 households over solid wall insulation quality issues
Ofgem has written to 65,000 households that may have had poor-quality solid wall insulation fitted under the Energy Company Obligation and Great British Insulation Scheme since 2022.
- July 2026
HUG2 closed to applications in Wolverhampton area
Act on Energy has confirmed the Home Upgrade Grant is closed across Wolverhampton and neighbouring West Midlands and Worcestershire areas, with applications no longer processed and a replacement scheme expected later this year.
- June 2026
IAA raises repair cover for ECO4 and GBIS solid wall insulation to £25,000
The Installation Assurance Authority has raised its repair cover for faulty ECO4 and GBIS solid wall insulation to £25,000, up from £20,000, as ministers consult on a new consumer protection service.
Which? responds to Government consultation following botched insulation schemes
Which? has told a Government consultation that stronger consumer protections, qualified installers and cost-free redress are needed to restore trust after past insulation schemes.
- May 2026
Which? updates loft insulation costs and savings guidance
Which? has updated its loft insulation guidance, publishing Energy Saving Trust savings figures of up to £340 a year and RICS cost data for professionally fitted insulation.
Energy Saving Trust updates cavity and solid wall cost and savings figures
The Energy Saving Trust's cavity and solid wall guides, updated May and June 2026, put average cavity wall insulation at £2,700 with £200 annual savings on a semi-detached home.
- April 2026
EPC no longer required as a standing eligibility criterion from 28 April 2026
Ofgem has removed the requirement for a valid EPC as a standing eligibility criterion for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme from 28 April 2026, with alternative evidence accepted where no certificate exists.
Amended Approved Documents published ahead of Future Homes and Buildings Standard
Amended Approved Documents L and F for England have been published ahead of the Future Homes and Buildings Standard, with the main provisions coming into force on 24th March 2027.
Welsh Government publishes Approved Document L 2026 and Approved Document F Volume 1
The Welsh Government has published Approved Document L 2026 Volumes 1 and 2 and Approved Document F, Ventilation, Volume 1, setting new build fabric and ventilation standards for Wales.
- March 2026
ECO4 Innovation applications stop being accepted
Ofgem has stopped accepting ECO4 Innovation Measure and Data Light Measure applications after 31 March 2026, though applications received before that date will still be considered.
Partial government response published
The government has published its partial response to the 2024 Energy Performance of Buildings consultation, confirming four new headline metrics for domestic EPCs and changes to when certificates are required.
Great British Insulation Scheme closes to applications
The Great British Insulation Scheme closed to applications after the government declined to extend it beyond March 2026, ending supplier-funded insulation for lower council tax band homes.
- February 2026
Summary of responses published for Part L 2025 review
The Welsh Government has published its summary of responses to the 2025 review of Building Regulations Part L, covering planned changes to energy efficiency standards in new and existing buildings.
Uswitch reports two-thirds of UK households struggling with condensation, damp and mould
Uswitch research finds 18 million UK homes affected by condensation, damp and mould this winter, with high energy costs driving households to cut heating and keep windows shut.
- January 2026
ECO4 extended to 31 December 2026
The government has extended the Energy Company Obligation to 31 December 2026 so suppliers can meet existing targets and put right non-compliant insulation installations.
Public Accounts Committee publishes report on faulty energy efficiency installations
The Public Accounts Committee has reported 30,000 homes with defective energy efficiency installations and called for independent supervision of wall insulation retrofit schemes.
Green Alliance publishes visual report on cutting home energy bills
Green Alliance has published a visual report setting out insulation standards, heat pump and solar panel rollout as ways to cut household energy bills permanently and tackle fuel poverty.
Government responds to EPC reform consultation and publishes MEES response alongside Warm Homes Plan
The government has confirmed that privately rented homes in England and Wales must reach EPC C across two metrics by October 2030, publishing its EPC reform and MEES responses alongside the Warm Homes Plan.
- November 2025
Part L 2025 consultation closes
The Welsh Government's consultation on changes to Building Regulations Part L, covering energy efficiency in new and existing buildings, closed on 17 November 2025.
Audit results show widespread faults in ECO4 and GBIS wall insulation
Government audit results published in January 2026 found that 92% of external wall insulation and 27% of internal wall insulation installations under ECO4 and GBIS had at least one major technical non-compliance.
Citizens Advice publishes report on warmer homes for private renters in Wales
Citizens Advice has published a report calling on the UK Government to raise minimum energy efficiency standards for private rented homes and on the Welsh Government to expand the Nest scheme.
Connected for Warmth insulation programme ran from March 2023 to November 2025
Agility has reported that its Connected for Warmth insulation scheme, backed by the National Grid energy efficiency fund, ran from March 2023 to November 2025 and insulated thousands of homes in England and Wales.
CSE reviews spray foam insulation advice
The Centre for Sustainable Energy reviewed its spray foam insulation guidance in November 2025, concluding that in almost all cases the material carries considerable risks and other insulation should be considered first.
- October 2025
NAO publishes report on energy efficiency installations under the Energy Company Obligation
The National Audit Office has published a value for money report finding clear failures in the design and consumer protection system of ECO4 and GBIS, covering faulty wall insulation and suspected fraud.
Which? responds to NAO report on faulty insulation
Which? has called the National Audit Office's findings on faulty insulation a damning indictment of a failed scheme, urging government action to remedy damage and prevent a repeat.
Which? responds to Scottish Government update on reforming Energy Performance Certificates
Which? has welcomed Scottish Government plans to reform Energy Performance Certificates, saying its research shows the certificates are too often inaccurate, out of date or difficult to understand.