Does it feel like money is slipping through the cracks at home? Insulating properly will not only create a more comfortable living environment but will also cut energy costs significantly. In this blog we will look at some methods of increasing insulation.
Increase Your Attic Insulation
A poorly insulated attic is often one of the primary contributors to heat loss in homes, accounting for as much as 25% of heat leaving your house. Assess your current insulation, if it sits below or unevenly across joists, upgrading is necessary. Rolls or boards of insulation provide snug fits without blocking ventilation points while spray foam insulation expands to fill every nook and cranny, offering an efficient barrier against heat loss.
Upgrade Your Windows
Windows are often one of the primary sources of heat loss in older homes. Double Glazing is a fantastic option to provide an extra layer of insulation. If this option isn’t feasible, secondary glazing offers another layer. Heavy curtains or thermal blinds may help block out cold air while keeping warmth inside. Seal any gaps around window frames with weatherstripping or caulk for maximum effectiveness.
Insulate Your Walls
Walls account for as much as 35% of heat loss in any given home, making insulation one of the easiest and cost-effective strategies to improve thermal efficiency. Insulating cavity walls involves injecting insulation material between them. Solid wall insulation options tend to be more costly, including external or internal wall insulation that involves adding boards or batts onto internal walls. External options usually consist of adding layers of insulating material under protective render or cladding, both can significantly boost thermal efficiency.
Don’t Forget the Floors
Cold floors can be a sure sign of heat escaping your home through the ground. Insulating your floors is one way to combat this and add comfort underfoot. On ground floors, consider laying rigid insulation boards beneath any new flooring. Or filling any joist spaces between suspended wooden boards with mineral wool for insulation purposes. Also don’t neglect gaps around edges with flexible sealant strips to block drafts and keep heat inside.
Pay Attention to Loft Hatches and Chimneys
Loft hatches and chimneys can be sneaky heat loss points. Make sure your loft hatch is properly insulated and draft-proofed during insulation installation to reduce energy losses. When not using your fireplace, consider using a chimney balloon or draught excluder to block off heat loss from escaping and cold air entering through it.
Insulate Your Pipes
Pipe insulation can play an important role in keeping water hotter for longer, making your heating system more efficient and protecting pipes from freezing during winter. Use foam insulation tubes to cover any exposed pipes located in unheated spaces like garages or crawl spaces. Foam tubes also prevent pipes from freezing over during the cold months.
Conclusion
Proper insulation is important to creating a warmer, more energy-efficient home. By taking some or all of these steps to enhance your insulation levels, you can enjoy more comfortable living spaces while cutting energy costs. Every inch you add of insulation adds up as money back in your wallet. So start batt…lling drafts today and feel the difference for yourself.
