Households in south Edinburgh are getting free home insulation to help them stay warm and cut energy bills this winter.

The free insulation offer is overseen by the City of Edinburgh Council in partnership with the Energy Saving Scotland advice centre South East and is funded by the Scottish Government.

It provides loft and cavity wall insulation to households who contact the Home Energy Scotland Hotline, or receive a visit from a Home Energy Assessor.

Properties lose more than half their heat through the roof and walls. Insulating not only helps keep a property warm, it could also save households hundreds of pounds per year in energy bills. Loft insulation saves up to £175 a year, while cavity wall insulation saves up to £135 a year. With no costs to worry about, it's an easy way to counter the effects of rising gas and electricity prices.

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Homes across Scotland are feeling the benefit already, as the scheme is being delivered in areas throughout the country.

Councillor Paul Edie, Health, Social Care and Housing Leader, for Edinburgh said: "Similar schemes in other parts of the capital have proved successful and resulted in hundreds of families take up not just advice but also energy-saving measures.

"Gas and electricity prices have been rising relentlessly for the last few years. This scheme is helping reduce energy consumption and tackle fuel poverty. Homeowners will see a beneficial impact on the cost of their bills but also ensure their homes are warmer when they most need it. Far too many people are struggling to heat their homes properly through poor insulation."

Aside from being a homeowner or private tenant there are no eligibility criteria to meet - the only condition is that the property can take the insulation. Households in participating areas should receive a letter telling them about the scheme and how to take advantage of the offer. They may also receive a call at the door from a Home Energy Assessor or a surveyor from one of the insulation companies working for the scheme.

As with all doorstep callers it's advisable to check their ID and make sure they're genuine. Householders can check by calling the Home Energy Scotland Hotline on 0800 512 012.

The scheme will run until March 2012 but with another cold winter underway, householders are encouraged to take up the offer sooner rather than later to minimise their energy costs during the cold weather.

(GK)