Keep Your Home Cool This Summer… By Insulating

With the recent warm weather, home insulation might not be top of people’s priority lists, however, a well-insulated house stays cool in the summer as well as warm in the winter. But local householders are being urged to make sure they are getting the best deal from the many home insulation schemes on offer.

The HELP scheme is the local authority backed Lincolnshire scheme offering householders in the Spilsby area the opportunity to insulate their homes at a reduced rate or for free. By Easter 2011 the HELP scheme have supported over 6,000 Lincolnshire households in reducing their energy consumption and bills.

Doug Robinson, Sustainability and Climate Change Team Leader at the County Council, said:

“Insulating your loft can save around £150 a year, and getting cavity wall insulation could save you even more. In a time of rising energy prices this can really help to keep your fuel bills down. HELP is a fantastic scheme that gives people the chance to insulate their homes for free or at a discounted rate. I would urge residents to check identification, because no one else can offer the same reduced rate and free insulation service.”

The HELP scheme is the only one endorsed by all seven district councils and the county council and is supported by the Energy Saving Trust. The only approved companies working on the scheme are Street Energy and Solutions 4 Energy. There are also concerns about unscrupulous companies who suggest endorsement by councils when this isn’t the case. All canvassers working on the scheme wear ‘HELP’ scheme branded Hi-visibility tabards and carry identification. These can be checked by telephoning the Energy Saving Trust on 0800 512012

Nick Dawes, Divisional manager for Lincolnshire Trading Standards, said:

“We are aware that flyers have been distributed by other companies, including the ‘Energy Saving Group’ which appear to suggest the endorsement of Lincolnshire councils including the county council, by using council logos. The flyers also include the HELP scheme logo as well as references to subsidised insulation through a grant scheme. The use of the logos in this form is unauthorised and we in no way approve or endorse these companies. These and other flyers appear to have been distributed door to door in some areas and in some DIY stores. Trading Standards are currently working with the Energy Saving Group to ensure they comply with legislation.”