The British government acknowledges: 30,000 homes damaged due to faulty insulation.

According to The Sun: More than 30,000 homes have received inadequate insulation under government programs. This is the first time the scale of the issue caused by poor workmanship under two state initiatives has been recorded, reports the BBC.

Both programs - ECO4 and the Great Britain Insulation Scheme - launched in April 2022 and May 2023, respectively.

Families who owned homes with the lowest energy efficiency were incentivized to implement these measures to reduce fuel poverty and lower energy costs.

The programs allowed households to apply for free energy efficiency upgrades, including wall insulation, through energy suppliers or local authorities.

Solid walls without cracks and voids are mostly found in homes built before 1920.

However, numerous cases of improperly installed solid wall insulation have posed a threat to the development of mold and dampness in these homes.

This came as a result of an investigation conducted by publications last year, after which the government audited 60,000 homes that received insulation under this program.

Preliminary audit results published in July showed that in more than 30,000 homes, insulation was installed improperly, which could lead to increased dampness and mold.

The government acknowledged this as a 'systemic failure' that could result in serious moisture and mold issues in homes.

Miatta Fahnbulleh, the Minister for Energy Consumers, noted in a previous statement that early data suggests that 'most' solid wall insulation installations have not been carried out 'to standard.'

A DESNZ representative noted: “The scale of this poor performance is unacceptable, and we are working swiftly to ensure detection and rectification of poor installations at no cost to consumers.”

“Soon we will announce plans to reform the fragmented consumer protection system we inherited to restore trust and help more people lower their bills.”

What to do if you have been affected?

Not all homes that had this insulation installed will be unsafe or at risk.

If you suspect this applies to you, the energy regulator Ofgem will contact you automatically.

The government had previously stated that households can expect to receive a letter from Ofgem with information on how to check if your home has been affected.

If problems are identified, there will be no charge for repairs – the company that originally installed the insulation is obligated to rectify the situation.

In the case of company bankruptcy, guarantees of up to £20,000 should remain in force.

If you have concerns about the solid wall insulation installed in your property under ECO4 or GBIS, or questions about the refund process, you can contact Ofgem:

• [email protected].
• Freephone 0808 169 444 (the line operates from 9:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays).

How else can I insulate my home?

There are many other safe ways to insulate your home.

You might try adding a layer of mineral or sheep wool to your attic or roof.

The cost of insulating a semi-detached house with 270mm of insulation in the attic is around £900, according to Energy Saving.

This can save you about £230 a year, so the costs can be recouped in about three years.

Avoid installing spray foam insulation as this can damage your property and complicate its sale.

You can also cheaply insulate your windows and doors yourself to reduce heat loss and save around £40 a year.

A roll of insulating tape costs about £5, or you can hire an expert for around £250.

Inefficient boilers can also significantly increase your energy costs.

You can purchase an insulating jacket for just £18, which helps save up to £40 a year.