Homes 'miss out on energy savings'
Updated on 10 November 2009
Nearly five million households are missing out on energy savings by failing to take up grants to help insulate their homes, research has shown.
The Home Heat Helpline said families could knock around £150 a year off their heating bills by insulating their lofts, while they could reduce them by a further £115 a year if they had cavity wall insulation.
But despite the savings that are on offer, the group warned that people were failing to take advantage of money that is available from energy suppliers to help them make their homes more energy efficient.
It estimates that 3.6 million homeowners and private sector renters living in homes that have not been insulated are eligible for the grants because they are claiming unemployment or disability benefits, the working tax credit or the pension credit.
A further 1.3 million people are also thought to be eligible for the grants because they are aged over 70.
Christine McGourty, spokeswoman for the Home Heat Helpline, said: "There are free grants for insulation that could provide a lifeline for many people as it gets colder through the winter months.
"This research shows the huge scale of unclaimed help that's out there on offer from energy suppliers.
"We have trained advisers who can help you get grants for insulation, special reduced tariffs as well as advice and support on how to keep warm and save money on your bills."
Coronation Street actress Kym Marsh, who is supporting the campaign, said: "I know what it's like to be a single mum who is struggling to pay the bills. When every penny counts you need all the help you can get.
"But often you don't know who to turn to. The Home Heat Helpline provides a really friendly, helpful service for people in need."
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