Tony and Becs Wadley face a Christmas away from home after insulation installed under a government initiative resulted in black mold spreading in several rooms, making the environment hazardous for their asthmatic son, Elliott. Mr. Wadley expressed the emotional toll, stating, "It's awful. Elliott can't come into our house, it's as if he's been ostracized from his own home."
The Wadleys are among over 300 families who have recently shared their insulation troubles with the BBC. The Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) acknowledged the issue, vowing to rectify the oversight in installations.
In early 2024, the Wadleys received a government grant for energy-efficient measures in their Gower Peninsula home, aiming to alleviate Elliott's asthma with a warmer environment. While the grant covered the cost of insulating Elliott's bedroom, the aftermath saw black mold sprout behind the insulation boards. Despite the installer replacing the system, further issues led to the removal of all plaster after it dampened. Since April, Elliott, 19, has stayed with his grandmother during university breaks. Mrs. Wadley expressed her longing, "I miss him like you wouldn't believe." The family plans to stay with Mr. Wadley's sister over Christmas to be together.
Their home was insulated under the ECO4 scheme. An October report by the National Audit Office highlighted flaws, stating 98% of homes with external insulation needed repairs. DESNZ emphasized its commitment to thorough reforms via the Warm Homes Plan, ensuring quality installations and preventing recurrence of such failures.
The downstairs sections of the Wadleys' house encountered similar insulation failures, leading to the removal of defective insulation and exposing electric sockets and wiring. The family disclosed the persistent condition over months. The installer, Stellar Energy, claimed no immediate hazards had been reported and disputed the descriptions of exposed wires as inconsistent with their procedures. Building surveyor David Walter critiqued the installation, arguing the installers lacked understanding, leading to the current predicament. Stellar Energy maintained the installation was technically compliant for stone houses as per ECO4 protocols.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Mr. Wadley stated he wouldn't have accepted the grant had he foreseen these complications. "You wouldn't put'."