It turns out the UK has some of the worst-insulated homes in Europe and this blog will explain why that is the case and what you can do about it.
Why UK homes are so cold compared to Europe
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
Behind closed doors: the cold reality of UK homes
In Western Europe, where comfort meets efficiency, a cold reality can be seen behind the closed doors of UK homes. In this blog we explore the reasons for the chilly temperatures and skyrocketing fuel bills in properties within the United Kingdom.
Feeling cold in winter? Data on the housing stock in Europe explains why
As temperatures drop around Europe, people have growing concerns about their well-being, comfort, and increasing fuel bills. However, are these temperature drops felt similarly across all European countries? The answer to that question would be no.
The stark reality is that UK homes lack the insulation effectiveness seen in their Western European counterparts, earning the UK the unfortunate title of having the worst-insulated homes in the region.
From outdated building standards to a slow pace of retrofitting, the thermal plunge within UK homes is a concerning issue. This deficiency not only compromises the comfort of residents but also has profound implications for energy consumption and environmental impact.
What makes UK properties so chilly?
Existing research points to considerable in homes from different European countries. Unsurprisingly, the UK has the highest home temperature loss, which is largely down to 37% of homes being built before 1946. This finding has implications for a concerning lack of adequate insulation measures.
Tado, a home climate management company, has analysed home heat loss across Europe and found out that on average, British homes lose 3°C every five hours.
On the flip side, countries like Germany and Norway only lose around 1°C every five hours, which means that home heat loss in the UK is happening three times faster.
The cost of cold living, and how to warm up to existing solutions
Beyond the discomfort, there’s a substantial economic toll associated with poorly insulated homes. Residents struggle with higher heating bills, and the nation faces increased energy demand, placing additional strain on resources.
Long-term solutions to this concern would include upgrading windows and doors by sealing existing gaps to prevent the cold air from entering, while preserving the warmth. Installing thermostats and upgrading existing boilers are other solutions that allows residents to regulate their energy usage while maintaining a comfortable temperature at home.
In comparison, cavity wall and loft insulation are popular and effective solutions that can be simpler, more cost-effective and long-lasting. Around 25% of heat lost will escape through an uninsulated loft, and 35% of it will escape through the walls. By insulating the loft and cavity walls of a detached house, you could save hundreds of pounds on your energy bills each year.
Three things you can do right now:
- Contact us to see if you qualify for an insulation grant.
- Check out our energy saving tips for practical ways to save energy (good for your bills and for the environment).
- Book a free no-obligation survey to have your home insulation checked by one of our professional surveyors.
