Energy Saving Tips 4
Did you know around half of heat loss in a typical home is through the walls and loft? So it's worth checking whether yours are insulated properly.Insulating your cavity walls and loft can significantly reduce your heating bills, especially when combined with draught proofing, tank and pipe insulation and double-glazing.
There may also be grants and offers available to help you get properly insulated. Contact your local Energy Efficiency Advice Centre on 0800 512 012 or check www.est.org.uk/myhome/gid/
Loft Insulation
Most homes will already have some loft insulation. The Energy Saving Trust currently recommended a minimum depth of 270mm or 10.5" of mineral wool or equivalent.Depending on the type of insulation you choose, the actual depth can vary because some materials are better than others. The main types include:
- Solid foil backed foam board (Celotex PIR sheet)
- Foil backed closed cell rolls (Airtec)
- Sheepswool batts (Thermafleece)
- Mineral and glass fibre rolls and batts (many brands)
- Hemp fibre (Isonat)
- Recycled cotton batts (Innotherm)
- Loosefill cellulose (recycled paper) (Warmcell)
The type of insulation you choose will depend on your budget and the space available in the loft. Some materials have environmental advantages; by recycling materials less energy is used in manufacture.
The investment can soon pay for itself:
- Measure: Mineral and glass fibre loft insulation
- Annual saving: As much as £220 per year
- Cost: From around £385 (installed)
- Payback: Around 2 years
For more information on installation, ventilation and how to maintain a storage space in the loft above the insulation layer check the Sustainable Thornbury website www.sustainablethornbury.org or call 01454 416778.
Give your home a check up! Get a free personalised report on how to save energy in your home from www.est.org.uk/myhome/whatcan/hec or call 0800 512 012.
Important notice for DIYers:
Note that loftspaces require minimum ventilation to avoid condensation buildup and particular care if your boiler is in the loft. South Gloucestershire Council Building Control will be able to advise: www.southglos.gov.uk or tel:01454 868 004
Insulation should not be laid over electrical cables as they could overheat and catch fire - if necessary re-route the cables. New electrical safety laws mean domestic electrical wiring now needs to be installed by or certified by an NICEIC approved electrician after your DIY: www.niceic.org.uk or call 0870 013 0381.
The next energy saving tips will be on Water.
