Home insulation solution – keeping you warmer in winter and cooler in summer

Insulation works as a barrier against the transfer of heat. In winter, we generate warmth inside the home and effective insulation keeps the heat there. Our thermostat recognises when the house has reached a set temperature and the heater is automatically switched off. Without insulation, however, warmth escapes and the heater has to continue producing heat to maintain the desired temperature. The result is a higher energy bill.

In summer the roles are reversed. The heat is then on the outside and the same insulation stops much of it from penetrating the home. This reduces the need for air-conditioning units to run and you pay less on your energy bill. Many people report that they have earned back the cost of insulating their home already within the first few years.

Insulate your ceiling, walls and underfloor and save on your energy bills

Thermal insulation is mainly installed in ceilings, walls and underfloors. Most heat enters and escapes through the roof, so the ceiling should be your first priority. Next on the list is insulation for external walls, which should always be installed in new homes. Combined with ceiling insulation this produces a “thermal envelope” effect around the home, keeping your house warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Last, but not least, is the raised underfloor, where heat loss is particularly noticeable during winter.

Is it too late to install insulation when the house is finished?

It’s never too late to insulate your ceiling. This is good news for people living in older homes which were built during a time when it was not at all common to include insulation in the building plans. Likewise, underfloors can often also be insulated after construction. Wall insulation, on the other hand, is much easier and cheaper to install during the construction stage. Consider insulating the internal walls of your house from a sound management point of view as well. Avoid the cost and hassle of replastering by thinking ahead and insulating the walls that will give you the greatest returns from a sound blocking point of view.

Think safety – be aware of potential hazards while working

Take measures to prevent potential falls when working from heights, whether you are working on a ladder or climbing into the roof space. Ceiling spaces can become very hot in summer, so start work early in the morning and drink plenty of water if you need to work on hot days. When insulating the underfloor, space to move is often limited and you may find yourself crawling into tight spaces or even lying on your back. Take care and don’t rush. The area under your house may contain all kinds of rubble from the time of initial construction including bricks, pieces of pipe, sharp nails and broken glass. Light up the area you are working in and use safety glasses. Working together with another person is recommended practice.

Buying insulation material for your project

Bulk insulation takes up a fair amount of space, even when it has been compressed into bags. For this reason many suppliers offer a delivery service along with their products, saving you the hassle of handling and transporting the bales around yourself. If you are looking for a good deal, pricewise, take into consideration the delivery cost as well as the cost of the material before you finalise your purchase. It may be that a more expensive brand comes with a cheaper delivery fee resulting in a lower price overall.