Neil Marshall, chief executive of the National Insulation Association (NIA), reported that as utility bills are set to rise over the coming months, having cavity wall and loft insulation could help consumers to lower their energy costs for years to come. He added that such work may not only play a part in many Britons lowering how much money they pay for their gas and electricity each month, but could also work towards reducing their impact on the environment.

The NIA chief executive went on to state that cavity wall insulation is the most effectual way for consumers to cut down on energy usage. Pointing to figures from government organisation the Energy Savings Trust, Mr Marshall claimed that up to 90 pounds a year can be saved on the average home energy bills. He also stated that having such work done is "clean" and that insulation is safe to install.

Following on from such savings, many people may discover that they are able to get to grips with other demands on their spending such as credit cards, personal loans and grocery bills.

He said: "The need for insulating homes has always been there, but all too often when the press report on possible ways to decrease carbon footprints and/or save energy they emphasise behavioural changes - such as turning down the thermostat by one degree or only boiling the amount of water in the kettle that you need. They rarely report on practical measures such as insulation.

"Behavioural measures however tend to last for a short amount of time - until they are forgotten with the next news story - but practical measures, like insulation, once installed last forever."

Mr Marshall added that as a result of "ever increasing living expenses", homeowners may find it "more cost-effective than ever to insulate your home in order to reduce energy bills". He also suggested that getting insulation fitted can be a "major way" in which people can reduce their carbon footprint.

The chief executive recommended that those considering having insulation fitted in their homes should hire professionals to do this for them. By doing so, certified workers will be able to identify if there are problems with having insulation installed and that the required depths are laid down. He added that cavity wall padding is a "highly-specialised operation", as the materials which are used must be approved by the British Board of Agreement as being safe and non-toxic.

For those looking for help in funding the purchase of materials and hiring workers, a homeowner loan may be of assistance.

Indeed, this type of loan could prove to be helpful for consumers, no matter what kind of improvements they are looking to carry out on their property. One possible use of a homeowner loan is to help finance security measures, such as burglar alarms and window locks, fitted to protect against crime. A recent study by LV= indicated that leaving expensive items inside their home out on display through windows may see 15 million Britons making themselves a target for thieves. However, a home loan might help assist in the installation of security features.