There are several important benefits to having good home insulation including lower energy bills, reduced heating loss, lower environmental impact and of course, the comfort of your home. But what exactly should be insulated in your property? Let’s take a look.
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Wall insulation
More than 33% of heat can be lost from your home through poorly insulated or non-insulated walls. In the UK, most walls are either solid or cavity walls. Pre-1920 homes typically have solid walls which can be insulated using insulation boards on the inside or outside of the property. Cavity walls, commonly found in post-1920 properties can be filled with an insulation material pumped in through a hole from outside. The savings for insulating your walls can be up to £380 per year.
Roof insulation
Over 26% of heat loss occurs through badly insulated roofs. By putting insulation in your loft you will not only have a warmer home and lower bills but loft insulation costs have a fast payback time of around three years. This means that you will have saved the equivalent amount of the cost of the insulation from reduced energy bills in just 36 months. The kind of insulation you put into your loft will differ if it is used for storage or as a living space. Consult an insulation professional if you are unsure which is best for your property. The annual savings made from roof insulation can be up to £270.
Windows & Doors
Inefficient windows and doors account for 18% of heat loss in homes around the UK. installing double glazing can cut this heat loss by almost a third. This type of glazing also reduces instances of condensation and associated damp and mould issues. It also increases the security of your home and contributes to noise dampening from outside. A well-fitted and energy-compliant front door will also help to keep your home warm. Fit draught-proofing strips on the bottom of external doors, letterbox flaps and keyhole covers where needed. You can save up to £165 per year with energy-efficient windows and doors.
Floor
Many people don’t appreciate that heat can be lost through the floor. However, around 8% of your heating can dissipate through the floor of your home. Insulation for floors will vary depending on the type of material the floor is made from. Suspended timber floors can be insulation much like your loft, by laying rolls or slabs of insulation between the joists. Concrete floors can be insulated with rigid insulation panels which are then covered over with the flooring of your choice. The savings available for a properly insulated floor can be up to £80 per year.
Pipes
Often neglected areas of insulation are the pipes around your home, your water tank and even the radiators. By insulating these features you could stop the extra 12% heating loss they are responsible for. Pipe insulation comes in tube-shaped lengths in various sizes and is made from various insulating materials. An insulating jacket for your hot water cylinder will keep the water hot for longer and can be fitted as a DIY task. To get more heat from your radiators place reflector panels behind them to throw the heat back out into the room instead of heating the wall.
All of the actions that you take to insulate your home will save you money, lower your heating costs, create a more comfortable environment for your family and reduce your home’s carbon footprint.
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