New analysis of government energy data reveals that East Midlands households currently enjoy the lowest average energy bills in the UK at £1,888 annually, yet local flooring specialist SimplyUnderlay.co.uk suggests many homeowners are missing out on potential savings of up to £185 per year through poor underlay choices.
With typical energy bills still 43% higher than pre-crisis levels despite recent reductions, Mike Jones, spokesperson for Simply Underlay who commissioned the research, explains how strategic flooring decisions could help Midlands families maximise their regional advantage.
“Research shows that approximately 15% of heat in a room is lost through the floor, particularly at ground level,” said Jones. “For a typical Midlands household spending £1,888 on energy annually, that represents nearly £283 of wasted heat. Quality thermal underlay can reduce heating bills by up to 15%, which could mean annual savings of around £185 for local families.”
The analysis comes as industry experts warn there is little prospect of substantial energy bill reductions in the near future, making property energy efficiency improvements the only viable route to meaningful savings.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, insulating ground floors in UK homes can save an average of £60 to £100 per year, with detached homes potentially saving even more. Research by Wools of New Zealand found that hard surface floors account for 10-20% of heat loss in homes, with carpet providing around 10 times more insulation than hard floor coverings.
For homeowners considering carpet replacement, Jones recommends focusing on products with high thermal ratings. “Just like a duvet, underlay has a TOG rating measuring heat retention properties. For thermal insulation, the higher the TOG rating, the better. Many people spend thousands on new carpets but skimp on underlay, which is like buying an expensive coat but forgetting to wear a jumper underneath.”
The timing is particularly relevant for Midlands households. Government data shows that 83% of people now actively monitor their energy use, with 42% using smart meter displays, suggesting increased awareness of energy efficiency measures.