What Is the Cheapest Way to Insulate Internal Walls?

Interior wall insulation is one of the most cost-effective methods to boost thermal efficiency in your home. With an average cost of around £7,500 for insulating a semi-detached three-bedroom house, it is often the cheapest way to insulate internal walls. However, with the rising cost of living, many households across the UK face financial constraints, and an alarming 4 out of 10 people struggle with their energy bills.

Insulating your internal walls could save up to £700 annually on energy costs and reduce your carbon footprint by as much as 2,100 kg of CO2 each year. While these savings are substantial, budgeting for insulation during financial difficulty can still be challenging. 

This guide explores the cheapest ways to insulate internal walls, offering budget-friendly solutions that still ensure energy savings. We’ll break down the most affordable insulation methods to help you make an informed choice without compromising  efficiency.

One of the smartest ways to save on internal wall insulation is by comparing quotes from multiple specialists to secure the best deal. But let’s face it—this process can be time-consuming and may not always deliver the results you need. That’s where GreenMatch comes in. With just a quick 30-second form, we’ll connect you with up to four free quotes from top-rated insulation specialists in your area, all tailored to your specific needs and budget. Why waste time? Click below to begin!

The cheapest ways to insulate internal walls depends on the condition of your home, the type of insulation material you choose, and whether you can handle some of the installation yourself. While there are premium options, several affordable methods offer excellent energy efficiency without breaking the bank. Here are a few cost-effective ways to insulate internal walls:

Thermal lining paper is among the cheapest ways to insulate internal walls. This thick, insulating wallpaper can be easily applied directly to walls, making it a quick and straightforward solution. Costing around £10 per square metre, it effectively reduces heat loss and is perfect for smaller DIY projects. It offers a simple way to improve insulation without requiring professional installation.

Insulated plasterboard is a cost-effective internal wall insulation, combining insulation and plasterboard into a single, practical product. Its simple installation, by gluing or screwing directly to the wall, makes it perfect for DIY projects. Priced at around £15 per m², it offers an affordable way to reduce labour costs while ensuring effective insulation.

Battening walls is one of the cheapest ways to insulate internal walls. Attach wooden or metal battens to create a framework, fit insulation between them, then install plasterboard over it. This technique is budget-friendly, allows for affordable insulation materials, and provides flexibility for easier installation in homes with uneven walls. On average, this method ranges from £40 to £50 per m², depending on the material chosen. 

For the cheapest ways to insulate internal walls with existing stud walls, loose-fill insulation like cellulose or fibreglass is economical. While building stud walls from scratch can be costly, existing stud walls provide a budget-friendly opportunity to improve insulation. Loose-fill materials, such as cellulose and fibreglass, cost around £10 per m², making them an affordable and efficient solution for boosting thermal performance.

Fibreglass batt insulation is one of the cheapest insulation methods due to its affordability, ease of installation, and solid thermal performance. Fibreglass batt insulation is a cheap internal wall option, costing about £10 per m² due to low material costs. This makes it an ideal option for those seeking an affordable internal wall insulation solution. Its wide availability and competitive pricing lower initial costs than other insulation materials.

Want to insulate your internal walls affordably? The best way is to partner with an insulation specialist who can tailor the solution to your needs and budget. But we know that finding the right expert can be a hassle. That's why GreenMatch is here to help! Fill out our 30-second form, and we'll provide up to four free quotes from top local insulation specialists. Click below to learn more.

When looking for the cheapest way of insulating walls, several additional tips can help you save money while still maintaining energy efficiency. Here are some effective strategies to reduce the cost of your internal wall insulation:

One of the cheapest ways to insulate internal walls is by applying for an insulation grant. In the UK, several government-backed home insulation grants are available to help you afford internal wall insulation.

To take advantage of an insulation grant, the work must be completed by certified professionals. Hiring an accredited installer ensures quality and grants access, making it one of the cheapest ways to insulate internal walls. Before starting, check grant eligibility to lower costs and make your internal wall insulation project more affordable.

To cut costs, one of the cheapest ways to insulate internal walls is to target high heat loss areas. Prioritising where heat escapes most saves money and boosts energy efficiency without insulating all walls. External-facing walls, especially in older homes with solid walls, are the main heat loss sources, so start there.

Lower costs by targeting high heat loss areas, such as the living room, kitchen, or spaces with large exterior walls. This strategic approach ensures maximum energy savings at a reduced cost, making it an effective solution for affordable wall insulation.

One of the cheapest ways to insulate a house is by taking on part of the work yourself through DIY. Labour typically makes up around 60% of the total cost of internal wall insulation, averaging about £250 per person per day. You can significantly reduce labour expenses by handling some of the simpler tasks, like wall preparation, fixture removal, and applying insulation to easy-to-reach areas.

Basic DIY tasks like installing insulated plasterboard or thermal lining paper need minimal tools, reducing costs and improving energy efficiency. For complex areas or specific insulation types, hire a professional to ensure proper installation and prevent moisture issues.

It’s important to remember that while DIY can save on costs, professional installation is required to qualify for insulation grants in the UK. While you can’t claim grants for fully DIY installations, you can still balance DIY with professional help by tackling prep work or cleanup yourself, helping to cut costs while working alongside a professional to ensure quality results.

At GreenMatch, we make finding the right insulation specialist easy. By filling out our 30-second form, you can receive up to four free quotes from certified insulation specialists in your area, tailored to your needs and budget—no hidden costs, no obligations. Click below to start!