Energy efficiency has never been more important. With rising fuel prices and growing awareness of climate change, homeowners in Carmarthenshire are increasingly looking for long-term solutions to cut costs and reduce their carbon footprint. One of the most effective upgrades available is solid wall insulation.
Unlike simple draught-proofing measures or switching energy suppliers, solid wall insulation offers a lasting improvement that makes homes warmer, cheaper to run, and more environmentally friendly. This is particularly valuable in Carmarthenshire, where a large proportion of properties – especially traditional stone cottages and older terraced houses — were built long before modern insulation standards.
In this guide, we’ll explore exactly what solid wall insulation is, how it works, the benefits it can bring, the challenges to consider, and how households in Carmarthenshire can take advantage of government schemes such as ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) to make it more affordable.
Solid wall insulation is designed for homes that don’t have cavity walls. Instead of two layers of brick with a gap in between, these houses were built with a single, solid wall of brick or stone. Unfortunately, these walls lose heat rapidly, meaning much of the warmth you pay for simply escapes outside.
By adding insulation, either internally or externally, you create a barrier that keeps heat inside.
Internal insulation is installed on the inside of the external walls. It usually involves fixing rigid insulation boards or a stud wall with insulation, then finishing with plasterboard. It’s generally cheaper than external insulation but slightly reduces room size and may involve moving radiators or sockets.
External insulation is applied to the outside of the property. A layer of insulation is fixed to the walls and then covered with render, pebble-dash, or cladding. This improves thermal performance, refreshes the look of the home, and adds protection against the weather. However, it tends to be more expensive and may require planning permission, especially if the building is listed or in a conservation area.
Both options are effective – the best choice depends on your property, budget, and preferences.
The benefits of insulating solid walls are considerable, particularly in Carmarthenshire, where many homes are older and prone to losing heat.
Insulating your solid walls can reduce heat loss by as much as 45%. For many households, this means saving several hundred pounds a year on heating bills — savings that become even more significant over time.
Insulated homes stay warmer for longer, eliminating cold spots and draughts. In the winter, this means cosier rooms with less reliance on central heating. In the summer, insulation can also help keep the house cooler.
Lower energy use means fewer carbon emissions. By insulating your home, you’re contributing to the fight against climate change while enjoying financial savings.
Homes with higher energy efficiency ratings are increasingly attractive to buyers. Insulation not only improves Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings but also adds kerb appeal if external cladding or rendering is used.
External insulation adds a weatherproof layer, protecting the walls from rain and wind. This is especially beneficial in Carmarthenshire’s damp and wet climate, helping to reduce problems like penetrating damp.
While the benefits are clear, there are some factors to weigh up before deciding on solid wall insulation.
The process of insulating solid walls usually follows a clear sequence:
Most projects take between one and three weeks depending on the size of the property and whether you choose internal or external insulation.
Solid wall insulation is one of the more expensive energy efficiency upgrades, but help is available.
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme is funded by energy suppliers and focuses on supporting low-income and vulnerable households. If you receive certain benefits or live in a home with a poor EPC rating, you may qualify for free or heavily subsidised insulation.
The GBIS was introduced to support a wider group of households, including middle-income families who may not qualify under ECO4. This scheme offers partial funding for a range of insulation measures, including solid wall insulation.
Eligibility for either scheme depends on factors such as household income, benefits received, and the current energy efficiency rating of your property. The best way to find out is through a professional assessment.
Navigating government schemes can feel overwhelming. At Green Homes Group, we guide you through the process, checking eligibility, handling paperwork, and ensuring you maximise the funding available to you.
Carmarthenshire has a distinctive housing stock that makes solid wall insulation particularly beneficial. Many of the region’s homes were built using stone or solid brick walls, which, while durable, are poor at retaining heat.
Combined with the local climate — cool, wet, and often windy — this means heating bills can quickly spiral. By insulating solid walls, homeowners not only save money but also improve indoor comfort and reduce dampness, a common issue in older properties across the region.
The best starting point is a free, no-obligation home survey with Green Homes Group.
We’ll arrange for a professional energy assessor to visit your property, check whether solid wall insulation is suitable, and explain the potential savings. You’ll also get clear advice on whether you could benefit from government support schemes such as ECO4 or GBIS.
It’s important to highlight that we are not installers. Instead, we work with a trusted network of approved installers across Carmarthenshire and beyond. This ensures that the work is carried out to a high standard by professionals with the right experience.
Our role is to make the process as easy as possible:
By booking a free survey, you’ll have everything you need to make an informed decision and take the next step towards a warmer, more efficient home.
Frequently Asked Questions on Solid Wall Insulation In Carmarthenshire
It usually takes between one and three weeks depending on property size and method.
External insulation changes the outside appearance, but many homeowners see it as an improvement. Internal insulation leaves the exterior unchanged but reduces room size slightly.
Savings vary but can reach several hundred pounds a year, depending on how much heat your home currently loses.
Yes, solid wall insulation works well alongside loft insulation, double glazing, or renewable technologies such as solar panels.
Solid wall insulation is one of the most effective ways to improve the warmth and efficiency of older homes in Carmarthenshire. While the upfront cost can be significant, the long-term benefits – lower bills, greater comfort, reduced carbon emissions, and increased property value – make it a worthwhile investment.
With government support available through ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme, there has never been a better time to act. And with Green Homes Group, the process is made simple. From free surveys to funding applications and trusted installer recommendations, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
If you want to make your home warmer, greener, and cheaper to run, book your free survey with Green Homes Group today.
Learn more about you can improve your home energy-efficiency with our full range of services.
Introduction Energy bills in the UK continue to rise, and for many households in Pembrokeshire, keeping warm during the colder months has become increasingly expensive....
