While 50% of households think having lost insulation isn’t a cost-effective way to reduce their energy bills.

Yet analysis from the Energy Saving Trust says the cost of installing loft insulation will be made back several times over the 40 years which it should last for.

It comes as energy bills are set to rise to an average of £3,000 in April, when the Energy Price Guarantee increases from £2,500.

A new insulation scheme has also recently been announced by the government to help households to pay for energy-efficient measures. It’s expected to save households an average of £310 when it launches next year.

Confusion over loft insulation

The research, from EDF, also found that 42% of people did not know what kind of insulation they had in their home, 30% didn’t know what proper insulation looked like and 25% had never checked.

Just 34% of people were aware that loft insulation should be inspected periodically and just one in 10 of the 2,000 asked by the energy provider said they were reviewing their loft insulation ahead of rising energy bills.

Many people said the reason they had not checked was because they didn’t want to go into their loft. Of those asked 30% said they had never been into the loft. Of the people that had been into the attic, 7% hadn’t been into the attic in the last year.

Over a quarter (26%) said they didn’t like going into the attic, with fears of falling being the reason for 37%, dirt 31%, poor lighting 25%, and being scared of spiders and the cold the reason for 24% of people putting off going into the attic.

“Good quality loft insulation can have a significant impact on energy bills”

Loft insulation costs an average of £890 for a detached house or bungalow, £640 for a semi-detached house, and £590 for a mid-terrace house. It can save from £355 to £590 off energy bills every year, according to data from the EST.

Philippe Commaret, managing director for customers at EDF, said: “Good quality loft insulation can have a significant impact on energy bills, so it’s surprising to learn how few homeowners are aware of the type of insulation they have, or what to look out for to check its condition. The good news is it’s simple to check if your insulation is up to scratch the next time you go up or fetch down the Christmas decorations.

“Dampness, damage, thin coverings and signs of mould are key things to consider when looking for signs to act on. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for or you have problems getting up there, it’s worth enlisting some help, as preventing heat escaping from your loft will definitely keep your house warmer and lower your energy bills.”