Frequently Asked Questions
Please click on a question to show the answer and click again to hide.
General FAQ
What is North Staffordshire Warm Zone?
North Staffordshire Warm Zone is Stoke on Trent City Council and Newcastle under Lyme Borough Council's home insulation scheme, for homeowners and private tenants to access free cavity wall and loft insulation.
The letter says I qualify for free, what is the catch?
There is no catch. The scheme aims to reduce fuel poverty and improve energy efficiency in the North Staffordshire area. We utilise funding to offer free cavity wall and loft insulation to local residents.
I rent from a Private Landlord, do I qualify?
Yes, we will require the name, contact number and address of the landlord for authorisation purposes. The scheme does not cover housing association properties.
Once I have applied, what happens next?
Once we have received your application, we will refer your details to our surveying contractor who will be in touch to arrange a free technical home survey. Please click here for more information.
How will I know the Warm Zone surveying team when they call?
Our surveying team will wear an identity badge with the Warm Zone logo on. Always ask to see identification and if you are unsure please call us on 01782 479099 to check who they are.
Why do you have to survey my home?
The free home survey allows us to identify if your loft and walls are suitable for insulation to be installed. Some householders are unaware if they have insulation or not, this is identified on survey. If your home is unusually large, you may incur an excess meters charge.
Who are the approved insulation contractors?
There are three approved insulation contractors working for North Staffordshire Warm Zone, SIG Energy Management Ltd, Heatex Group Ltd, and Carillion Energy Services. Following the home survey, If you still wish to proceed, our insulation contractors will be in touch to arrange a date for the work to be completed. Our contractors are well established companies who employ fully qualified staff to insulate your home.
How long will the process take to complete?
The process should take approximately six to eight weeks to complete from the date of the application.
Loft Insulation FAQ
What is loft insulation?
Loft insulation is a man-made material that generally comes in three types - blown material (mineral wool or cellulose fibre), mineral wool quilt, and loose fill.
Why does my house need loft insulation?
Loft insulation works by stopping the upwards movement of heated air, reducing the loss of heat from the rooms below. By installing loft insulation to the Energy Saving Trust's recommended thickness of 270mm, you can save up to £145 per year on your household heating bills, and it will help to reduce your carbon emissions.
Will I need to take the old insulation out?
No, we will lay insulation over the top of any existing insulation, unless otherwise discussed at the survey stage.
I have lots of items in my loft. Do I need to clear it out or will the installer do this for me?
Yes, you will need to clear the loft space of any stored objects before the insulation is installed.
Will my home be warmer?
Yes, you should find that the temperature of your house improves and that the house holds its temperature for a longer period of time.
How long will the work take?
Most loft insulation will take between one and two hours to complete.
Will it make a mess?
No, a small amount of dust may fall from the loft, which will be cleared by the installers and all packaging will be removed from your home.
Cavity Wall Insulation FAQ
What is cavity wall insulation?
In most houses constructed after the 1920s, the external walls are made of two layers or brickwork (internal and outer) with a small air gap or cavity between them. Cavity wall insulation involves filling this gap with insulation material which reduces the amount of heat that can escape through the walls. To identify if your home is suitable for cavity wall insulation, look at the pattern of the external brickwork, see diagram below.
Why does my house need cavity wall insulation?
Cavity wall insulation is the best way to significantly reduce the energy needed to heat your home, and offers potential fuel savings of around £110 per year.
Is cavity wall insulation simple to install?
Yes, the insulation material is blown in through a sequence of holes drilled from outside the property. In some cases, we may also need to install core vents in your exterior walls, but in general the whole job takes less than half a day.
Will my home be warmer?
Yes, with cavity wall insulation you will find that your home holds its temperature for longer periods of time.
How long will the work take?
The work usually takes less than half a day depending on the size of your property.
Will it make a mess?
No, our installation team will ensure that they clean up properly after the work has been completed.
