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Energy saving week - insulation tips

Thursday, 27 October 2011 4:07 PM

As part of Energy Saving Week 2011 (24-28 October), Thinkinsulation have put together their top tips to help you save money. We think there's some pretty good advice here:

- Insulate your loft

About 26% of heat in an un-insulated house escapes through the roof. Loft insulation is cheap to buy and easy to install and the job can be completed yourself in a day. It has financial benefits too because insulating your loft can save you around £175 a year on your energy bills.

Tip: Opt for loft insulation with strong eco credentials and great thermal performance. Space Insulation is a range of energy saving loft insulation products. The glass mineral wool insulation products in the range are made from recycled glass bottles and are odourless, free from dyes and bleaches and easy to handle.

- Insulate your walls

Cavity wall insulation - If your house was built after the 1920s it is likely to have cavity walls. If these aren't insulated, you can arrange for a professional to complete the work in a day. Cavity wall insulation pays for itself in around two years, and it will typically save around 15 per cent – or £135 a year - on your home's fuel bills.

Tip: A specialist should always be sought to complete this type of work - ensure that you choose an installer that is Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency (CIGA) qualified. Don't forget to ask for home assessment to assess suitability of your property before any work begins.

Solid wall insulation - Older houses built before 1920 often have solid walls and are more expensive to insulate, but also cost more to heat. Around 7 million solid wall properties in the UK are un-insulated but with potential fuel bill savings starting at around £445 a year, solid wall insulation is definitely worth considering.

Tip: If your external walls need work anyway, then it could be an ideal time to have external wall insulation fitted. Alternatively, if your home is soon to be undergoing interior refurbishment then internal wall insulation may be more suitable.

- Fit double glazing

Old single glazed windows can often be a major source of heat loss. Double glazed windows will not only keep the heat in but they will reduce noise, improving your level of comfort.

Tip: Make sure the windows you choose carry a BFRC label which indicates a good energy efficiency rating.

- Draught proof gaps

If you have poorly sealed windows and doors you may be losing a significant amount of heat through the gaps. Draught proofing is a simple and inexpensive DIY measure and by keeping warm air indoors you'll need less energy to heat your home and can save money on your fuel bills.

Tip: Although draught proofing is a simple DIY job that can be done at home, it can be more complicated if you have an older property. If this is the case it may be wise to call in a professional. Costs start at around £100.

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