Insulate existing homes to make them 'energy efficient'

A significant amount of energy is lost through a home's walls, according to Confused.com

Around 33 per cent of a property's heat loss can be sourced back to a lack of wall insulation, Gareth Kloet, head of energy for the website, says.

Anyone embarking on a self build may install such a measure as standard but existing homes that have a cavity wall can also be protected against such heat loss.

Mr Kloet suggests that such a task is "hassle free" and "generally inexpensive" even though it is often wrongly perceived to be a big job.

Furthermore, he suggests that cavity wall insulation could save up to £160 a year on heating bills.

"Making changes to the way homeowners currently run their homes can significantly reduce energy consumption and, therefore, energy bills," he says.

It may be advisable for existing homeowners to combine wall insulation with lagging in the loft as insulation works best when it is evenly distributed.