Homeowner insisted on installing cost-reducing heating measures before disaster struck
A HOMEOWNER who was pushed to install a heating measure that ended in disaster said ‘it seemed like a good idea’.
The government no longer offers subsidies to homeowners who insulate their homes with spray foam.
Officials have now said there were “issues” with foam, but declined to elaborate.
Mortgage lenders have refused to provide loans to buyers looking to purchase a home with spray foam insulation, which can cause structural damage to properties.
The Health and Safety Executive said the foam contains isocyanates linked to asthma. Continued exposure can lead to incurable asthma.
Despite this, sellers have continued to sell the foam to unsuspecting buyers, many of whom have spent thousands of pounds to have the insulation installed.
Diane Jennison, 78, from Devizes in Wiltshire, said she agreed to sign up after a “pushy” salesperson knocked on her door.
She told me Telegraph: “He was very pushy. He kept calling his ‘manager’ to get the price down.
“He kept saying the price he could get for me was ‘just for today’. I couldn’t think of anyone to ask. So at the time it seemed like a good idea.”
Mrs Jennison paid £2,500 to Airtech Insulation to have the foam installed in her home.
Shortly after the foam was applied, a second salesperson called her and offered to spray the roof to prevent moss from growing on it.
The man who sprayed the roof was the same man who installed the foam insulation, which concerned Mrs Jennison.
After watching a television program that exposed the dangers of foam insulation, she visited a local real estate agent.
They advised her to have it removed as soon as possible. In total she paid £7,500 to the company.
According to information from Companies House, Airtech Insulation ceased operations last Christmas.
Claims firm Hydrogard Legal Services is helping customers get back the money they spent on foam insulation services.
Chris Brown, director of the company, said: “We know people who have spent more than £15,000. One company charged £76,000
down in Devon. Older, vulnerable customers ultimately spend the most.”
Mr Brown said many spray foam insulation companies have now ceased operations.
He said some people behind the companies appeared to be making money from their removal.
Low-income and vulnerable families can get help improving the energy efficiency of their homes through a government program.
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is designed to tackle fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions in Britain.
Fuel poverty refers to households having to spend a large part of their income to keep their properties at a “reasonable temperature”.
How to reduce your energy bill
Here are a few ways to get money off your utility bill:
The Warm House Discount is applied every winter between October and the following March.
The £150 is aimed at people on the lowest incomes and is intended to cover extra heating costs during the colder months.
You don’t need to apply if you live in England or Wales and are eligible, but some households in Scotland do.
You should also receive a number of benefits including Universal Credit, Income Support and Pension Credit.
Check whether you are also eligible for the Domestic Support Fund.
It is available to households in England and usually people on low incomes or benefits are eligible.
You’ll need to apply to your local council, so you’ll need to contact them to see if you qualify for help.
Under the ECO scheme, suppliers have a legal obligation to implement energy-saving measures in your home.
Assistance is provided on a case-by-case basis, but it may also involve installing a new central heating boiler or installing attic or cavity wall insulation, often free of charge.