Lag your loft

What

When your home has the recommended 270mm of loft insulation you will be warmer in the winter, cooler in the summer and saving up to £215, as well as 950kg of CO2 a year.1

Installing (or topping up your existing) loft insulation is the single most effective measure for improving the energy efficiency of your home - 1/4 of all heat is lost through the roof if it's not insulated. So what are you waiting for?

Why

Snug as a pug in a rug? That's how your house will feel after wrapping it in a nice thick layer of insulation.

Thermal loft insulation reduces heat loss (and heat gain) by providing a barrier between the inside and outside of your home. It helps to reduce the amount of heat that escapes from it in the winter and protects it from getting too warm in the summer.

How

There are two routes to getting your loft well insulated: You can do it yourself or you can get a specialist installer to do it for you.

DIY:

For many lofts or 'rooms in the roof', you can install your own insulation within in a day, no matter how experienced or otherwise you are at DIY.

It is important to go for an approved material, one that has been properly tested to ensure it is safe to use in your loft. Look out for Energy Savings Trust recommended products.

Watch this handy video from Wikes about how to install your own insulation, or read B&Q's comprehensive advice on how to get cracking.

Bring in the professionals:

If your loft is damp, your roof is flat, or it's just not easy to access, you're definitely best to bring hte professionals in.

There are a lot of professional energy efficiency advisers and installers for you to choose from, go to the National Insulation Association website to find a registered installer in your area.

Funding:

And before you make any decisions, why not have a quick word with your energy supplier or local authority to find out what deals are available locally. The energy companies have carbon emission targets they have to meet and as a result they may be subsidising or even giving away loft insulation.