Half of the energy we use to heat or cool our homes would leak out of the property if it lacked effective insulation.
The benefits of good insulation are not limited to its ability to reduce a property’s carbon footprint or save up to 40% on heating bills.
Installing proper insulation prevents a build-up of condensation in a home and significantly reduces the chances of a property suffering from damp or mould.
Where should I consider installing insulation?
You can insulate your roof, floors, walls, windows and doors. The walls are responsible for the highest heat loss in the house, accounting for around 30-40% total heat loss. Next comes the roof, accounting for 25% heat loss, then the windows and doors at around 20%.
You’ll want cavity wall insulation or solid wall insulation, depending on the type of walls you have. For roof insulation (also known as loft insulation), you may be eligible to apply for free loft insulation provided by the UK government. Helpful advice regarding loft insulation grants can be found on the Government Grants website.
For proper insulation on your windows and doors, you’ll need double glazing. Most modern properties already come with double glazing, so if you have an older property or a listed property, you may want to look into this. Double glazing also helps to reduce noise pollution and increases home security.
What next?
Once you’ve fully insulated your home, the next step is to look into other ways of saving energy and cutting costs at the same time. Having a look at renewable energy systems is a great way of saving money in the long run and reducing your carbon footprint. Some energy renewable systems also allow you to claim money from the government by using the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). You can claim for biomass boilers, solar water heating and certain types of heat pumps, so check the website for more information.
Properly insulating your home is a no-brainer, but if you also want to look into other ways of reducing your bills and helping the environment, try speaking to an experienced surveyor. It might also be worth getting an Energy Performance Certificate for your property. Both options provide helpful tips on how to increase your property’s energy performance rating.
Article provided by Mike, working together with Sussex-based specialists BSW Energy – who were consulted over the information in this post.
