In an uninsulated house, about three-quarters of the heat you pay for filters into the outside world before you've benefited from it. Insulating your Home with good insulation and careful use of fuel, this figure could be halved. Don't be over zealous with insulation, though. When insulating Your home it needs some ventilation to keep condensation at bay and gas or coal fires burning efficiently.
Draught Proofing - This is a good place to start with insulating your home as it is usually easy to achieve at very little cost. 20% of heat loss is from ventilation and draughts so you will really be making a difference.
Secondary or Double Glazing - Double glazing is an excellent way of insulating your home and secondary glazing is also an option if this is cost prohibitive. Plastic film is the cheapest and easiest method of secondary glazing but it's only intended for one season's insulation. Apply double-sided tape to the fixed frame and peel off the release paper. Stretch the film across the top, then the sides and bottom, shrink it in place with a hairdryer then trim the excess film.
Floors - Seal the gap between the bottom of skirting boards and the floor with quadrant beading, secured to the skirting with panel pins. Plug any large gaps in a draughty timber floor with slithers of wood planed flush. Smaller gaps can be filled with caulk or decorators fillers. Never seal exterior ventilating bricks. Then cover the whole floor with hardboard, thick underlay and carpet.
Hot Water Pipes- Ensure that all exposed pipes, particularly long pipe runs, are well lagged, and that the hot water cylinder has a well fitting jacket at least 80mm thick.
There are also grants available towards the cost of insulating your home, and you can apply for a free, no obligation home survey below. We have got together with Energylink who will contact you to arrange the survey should you be eligible for a grant. Simply complete the survey below and let Energylink check out what you are entitled to, which could be up to 75% of costs or even 100% if you are on certain benefits or aged over 70.
Loft Insulation - By insulating your home in this way you could save up to a third off your heating bill. There are a variety of types in insulation to choose from including environmentally friendly options.
Cavity Wall Insulation - You can save a great deal of energy and money by installing cavity wall insulation. For older exterior walls you can treat them with water-repellent. Interior walls can be insulated with plasterboard studding and placing aluminium foil behind the radiators will reflect heat back into the room.
This is intended as a basic guide only to insulating your home. Before starting, decide whether you can do the work without professional help. You should always consult a professional before starting any electrical, plumbing or structural work.
