Which? published research on 19 September 2023 finding that only one in seven (14%) UK homeowners have undertaken insulation improvements in the last five years, and called on the UK government to build on its Great British Insulation Scheme announcement1. The consumer body's survey of 2,673 UK homeowners with bill-paying responsibility was carried out by Yonder Consulting in April 20231.
Almost half (46%) of UK homeowners have not explored home insulation in the past five years and are not considering it for the future, with the most common reason being that they believe their homes are already adequately insulated or warm enough (46%)1. Within that group, nearly nine in 10 (86%) expressed concerns about high energy bills and seven in 10 (69%) said they worry about keeping their homes warm during winter1. Of the 976 homeowners who had looked into insulation in the last five years, around six in 10 (63%) ultimately chose not to proceed with any work1. More than half (53%) of those who looked into insulation cited the upfront cost or concern about payback times as the main reason, and one in 10 (11%) said they searched for but did not find an available trader1.
Which? said homeowners who searched online wanted advice more tailored to their property and circumstances (69%), and nearly half (46%) said it was difficult to know where to start1. Only one in five (21%) who looked for information online found and used the government information tool, though 81% of those who used it found it useful1. The research also found that four in 10 homeowners (39%) who reported an EPC band of D to G said they would not consider insulating their homes in future1. Which? said EPC assessments vary in quality, with some providers offering one for as little as £35 on the basis of a 30-minute assessment1.
"Which? research has found that worryingly few homeowners are making insulation improvements - despite the benefits it offers including reducing a household's carbon footprint and energy bills and keeping homes warmer in winter."
Which? called on the government to run public engagement campaigns with targeted messaging, reform EPCs, create an online hub of reliable independent information providers and One-Stop Shops, and support the recruitment and training of installers1. It also called for a review of how installers are certified so householders can identify qualified and reliable tradespeople and remain protected from rogue traders1. In a separate statement on 14 September 2023, Concha said government support to help eligible households reduce energy bills and keep homes warm was "a step in the right direction", adding that information should include how consumers can protect themselves from fraudsters and rogue traders who might take advantage of the scheme2.
The UK government has set a target for all homes to have an Energy Performance Certificate rating of C by 2035 where practical, affordable and cost-effective, with similar targets in Scotland and Wales, but there is no legal requirement for homeowners to meet it1. The research paper notes that 57% of homes in England are currently below the government's energy efficiency target, with 58% in Scotland, 72% in Wales and 55% in Northern Ireland3.
| Nation | Homes below the government's energy efficiency target |
|---|---|
| England | 57% |
| Scotland | 58% |
| Wales | 72% |
| Northern Ireland | 55% |
Why it matters for households
The figures suggest that a large share of UK homes remain below the energy efficiency target, and that concern about bills is not translating into insulation work. For a household, insulation is one of the few measures that reduces demand for heat rather than changing how it is supplied, so it bears directly on how much energy a home needs to buy and how exposed it is to price movements. The research indicates the barriers are not only cost: homeowners reported difficulty knowing where to start, wanting advice tailored to their property, and in some cases being unable to find a trader1. Which? also flagged the risk of rogue traders around the scheme2, a subject covered in our guide to insulation scams and cold calling. For households weighing whether work is worth it, the reported payback concerns sit alongside the question of how much insulation saves on energy bills, and the practical matter of finding and checking an installer.
What happens next
The Great British Insulation Scheme was formally launched in September 2023, extending government support for loft insulation or cavity wall insulation to households in council tax bands A to D, who can also apply for part funding for more expensive measures3. Which? said its full report would be available from 00:01 on Tuesday 19 September1. No further dated steps have been reported.
Sources3 cited
- Worryingly few households planning insulation improvements to their homes, despite concern about high energy prices, Which? reveals - Which?, which.co.uk
- Which? response to launch of Great British Insulation Scheme - Which?, which.co.uk
- Empowering homeowners to insulate their homes through improved awareness and information - Which?, which.co.uk