Home insulation - It pays for itself!
Insulating your home is one of the most worth while jobs you can do to save money on your heating bills and to reduce your carbon emissions. It is worth checking to see whether your home is insulated sufficiently.
Most people assume that the cost of insulating their homes is a great deal more than it actually is. New materials, government initiatives, climate change, home information packs and rising energy prices, prove that there has never been a better time to insulate your home. The money that you spend in some areas could be repaid in less than 12 months. An insulated home will also produce fewer carbon emissions and you will be playing a part in fighting climate change. Remember, all savings you make will happen year after year after year...
We have highlighted below many of the ways that you could insulate your home. Costs, savings potential and payback times will vary depending on each job. What is certain is that each measure will save you a significant amount of money on your heating bills and reduce your carbon dioxide emissions.
loft insulation
Insulating your loft is one of the simplest ways to save energy. You can install yourself, and save around £110 year on year. It could pay for itself in less than 3 years.
hot water tank & pipe insulation
Good insulation will keep the water in your pipes and tank hotter and for longer. Fit this yourself and save around £30 per year on your heating bills.
draught proofing
Draught proofing is one of the most inexpensive and effective energy saving measures for the home - yet it is often overlooked. Eliminate draughts and stop heat escaping through those gaps by fitting low cost, easy-to-fix brushes and seals. You could save around £20 and 155kg of carbon dioxide per year.
cavity wall insulation
If your house was built after the 1920's the external walls would probably be made of two layers of brick with a small air gap or cavity between them. If you insulated your wall cavities you could save around £90 on your heating bills and 750kg carbon dioxide per year.
solid wall insulation
If you live in a home with solid walls (non cavity walls) such as solid brick, solid stone, pre 1944 timber frame and non-traditional i.e. concrete construction approximately 45% of the money you spend on heating is escaping out through the walls. Solid wall insulation is not cheap but the savings both financially and environmentally are huge!
floor insulation
Gaps and draughts from skirting boards and floor boards are easy enough to fix yourself with a tube of sealant. Timber floors can also be insulated by lifting the floor boards and laying an insulating material between the joists. Save around £60 and 470kg carbon dioxide per year.
glazing
Double glazing can prevent heat loss through windows by 50%, saving you around £100 per year. If you are on a budget there are 'other ways' to prevent heat from escaping out through your windows.