Calderdale Council and local firm Dyson Energy Services of Brighouse have teamed up to offer free loft and cavity wall fibre insulation to Calderdale residents. Over 40,000 local households have already benefited from loft and cavity wall insulation through lower energy bills and warmer homes.

Councillor Barry Collins , Portfolio holder for Economy and Environment says: “Its good to see the council working with a local company to help keep down peoples fuel bills.” Typical savings can be up to £255 per year. Residents who have not yet had the work done are encouraged to act fast if they dont want to miss out. The current subsidy from the energy companies that is funding this free offer will finish in just four months time, or possibly sooner depending on demand. Although it is being offered free of charge, every householder in Calderdale pays for the work through their energy bills. Almost £90 a year from every householders bill is used by the energy companies to fund carbon saving schemes like this. According to National Energy Action this could increase to £130 next year. Energy companies are also predicting price rises already for next winters gas bills.

Anyone who owns or privately rents their own home can qualify for this work, regardless of their household income or age. It does not matter if the household claims benefits or not. Well be letting people know about the work through leaflet drops, direct mail and household visits from qualified surveyors from Dyson Energy Services who will have identification with them. All work is subject to a free, no obligation suitability check which just takes up to a maximum of 45 minutes. Houses built from brick or artificial stone which were built from the 1930s onwards tend to be most suitable for cavity wall insulation. Semi-detached homes with stone frontages might still have a suitable gable wall and rear elevation that can be insulated with fibre. Properties of any age with a loft space could benefit from loft insulation.

To qualify for a free top up, any existing insulation has to be less than 150mm (6 inches) deep. This can be topped up to 270mm (11 inches). A survey needs to be done to check that at least two thirds of the loft area can be insulated. If the work can be done, the loft may then need to be cleared of any stored items. Surveyors will be able to give further advice once theyve had a look. Where residents might not be able to clear their loft out, or get help from family or friends, loft clearance services are available from local handyperson services for a small charge. Certain costs may be identified from the survey for additional works not covered by the funding. These may be covered by Calderdale Council for households in receipt of qualifying benefits or tax credits. Quotes will be issued for any additional costs to other owners who can then decide if theyd like to go ahead with the work.

To arrange your free survey just contact us as follows: • Dyson Energy Services freephone: 0800 833 018 • Visit Dyson Energy Services website http://www.dysoninsulations.co.uk | and fill in the online form • Calderdale Council Housing Energy Action Team 0845 245 6000 • Email your name, address, details of any benefits being claimed and your contact telephone numbers to heat@calderdale.gov.uk Visit housing for more details.