Teignbridge residents are being reminded to take advantage of free or heavily-discounted cavity wall and loft insulation offers while they still can, with national changes meaning an end to the current offers in 2012.

Currently residents can take advantage of free or discounted home insulation as part of the CosyDevon scheme, which is subsidised by the energy company E.ON, Teignbridge District Council and Devon County Council.

With current offers subject to availability and waiting lists, Teignbridge is reminding people to register sooner rather than later to benefit from free or discounted insulation. Having loft or cavity wall insulation installed through CosyDevon can cost as little as £59 for those who need to pay, while for many eligible people it could even be completely free.

Cllr Kevin Lake, Teignbridge Executive Spokesman for Environmental Services said: “A home without insulation loses over half its heat through its roof and walls, so there are lots of advantages to installing insulation. You’ll increase the warmth of your home, reduce your fuel bills, improve the energy rating of your property and help the environment.

“The recent cold snap has been a reminder of just how much fuel we can consume when temperatures drop, and people can help cut this with good insulation.”

Cllr Philip Vogel, Teignbridge Executive Spokesman for Housing and Planning added: “Time is running out on the current deal and we’d urge anyone considering insulation to get it while the getting’s good. With the current first come first served scheme, it’s best to get in touch sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment. If you wait for next autumn or winter you may find time’s run out and you’ll be faced with higher bills for insulation than if you go for it now.”

The current scheme will be replaced at the end of the year by the Green Deal, a new offer which allows people to benefit from energy efficiency measures with no upfront payments. In most cases the costs are recovered over time through people’s energy bills with the ‘Golden Rule’ that savings are always greater than the repayment cost.

However, because most people will have to pay back the cost of the insulation it will take longer for people to see the financial benefit than with the current offers, and will be more expensive overall than it is now.

CosyDevon is an established scheme and to date has installed insulation in more than 10,000 properties throughout Devon.

It aims to help the people of Devon save energy and reduce fuel costs and keep people warm and well in their homes by offering significant discounts on home insulation. Many people, particularly those on low incomes or in receipt of qualifying benefits, may even qualify to have insulation installed completely free. These offers are available to all homeowners and private tenants across Devon.

Any homeowners or private tenants who would like insulation can book a free, no obligation survey by calling 0800 093 1170. This number will connect you to the Energy Saving Trust advice service who offer free impartial advice on energy saving grants and offers. Or visit the CosyDevon website at www.cosydevon.co.uk