Insulation - Save Energy!

Insulation Saves Money

Save that Energy!

The most cost-effective method of reducing your home's carbon footprint and saving money is to reduce your energy needs. It's pointless trying to fill a leaky bucket!

Draught Proofing

The first thing you should always do is to reduce drafts. Just imagine £5.00 notes slipping through the cracks and you will be motivated. Draught proofing strip applied to doors and windows costs but a few pounds and is easily available from DIY sheds.

Fitting it is easy and quick. I've draught proofed a door in a matter of 5 minutes. To cover the gap under a door, you buy a brush strip which is flexible so you don't have to worry about carpets etc.

Don't forget the letter box and if you have a cat flap, make sure that it is a decent model that seals well.

Insulate the Loft

After the draughts, insulate the loft. Heat rises and this is the most cost effective place to insulate. A minimum of 8" but more is better.

Walls & Windows

Having covered the loft, walls and windows need attention. By now you really are reducing your wastage and saving money.

Prevent Heat Loss in Floors

Floors lose heat as well, about 15% of your heat loss, especially in older houses with wooden floors. Probably the most practical solution is to fit wall to wall carpets with a good thick underlay.

Although plain sanded and polished floorboards are to some the most attractive and 'natural', any gaps between the boards are going to let in draughts. If your intention is to do this, caulking the gaps with appropriate colouring may be the answer.

Another modern trend and ideal for insulation are the wall to wall laminate flooring strips. Before laying the sections, a thick undercover is laid and will be not only more comfortable to walk on, but provides insulation as well.

The main thing with flooring is to, wherever possible, lay wall to wall.

Block Any Gaps to Prevent Draughts

The only other thing is to check your sink / washer / tumble dryer and toilet outlets through the walls to make sure there are no gaps. Check the outside frame of windows is sealed to the wall. Tubes of silicone, applied with a gun like toothpaste are easy to use and effective.

In winter, see the cold outside temperature as an enemy to your comfort and your expenditure. It's a battle and if you have kids, it's a discipline to make sure they shut that door behind them, not to turn the thermostat up because they want to walk around in a t-shirt and shorts all day!

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	Insulation - Save Energy! Save that Energy! The most cost-effective method of reducing your home's carbon footprint and saving money is to reduce your energy needs. It's pointless trying to fill a leaky bucket! Draught Proofing The first thing you should always do is to reduce drafts. Just imagine £5.00 notes slipping through the cracks and you will be motivated. Draught proofing strip applied to doors and windows costs but a few pounds and is easily available from DIY sheds. Fitting it is easy and quick. I've draught proofed a door in a matter of 5 minutes. To cover the gap under a door, you buy a brush strip which is flexible so you don't have to worry about carpets etc. Don't forget the letter box and if you have a cat flap, make sure that it is a decent model that seals well. Insulate the Loft After the draughts, insulate the loft. Heat rises and this is the most cost effective place to insulate. A minimum of 8" but more is better. Walls & Windows Having covered the loft, walls and windows need attention. By now you really are reducing your wastage and saving money. Prevent Heat Loss in Floors Floors lose heat as well, about 15% of your heat loss, especially in older houses with wooden floors. Probably the most practical solution is to fit wall to wall carpets with a good thick underlay. Although plain sanded and polished floorboards are to some the most attractive and 'natural', any gaps between the boards are going to let in draughts. If your intention is to do this, caulking the gaps with appropriate colouring may be the answer. Another modern trend and ideal for insulation are the wall to wall laminate flooring strips. Before laying the sections, a thick undercover is laid and will be not only more comfortable to walk on, but provides insulation as well. The main thing with flooring is to, wherever possible, lay wall to wall. Block Any Gaps to Prevent Draughts The only other thing is to check your sink / washer / tumble dryer and toilet outlets through the walls to make sure there are no gaps. Check the outside frame of windows is sealed to the wall. Tubes of silicone, applied with a gun like toothpaste are easy to use and effective. In winter, see the cold outside temperature as an enemy to your comfort and your expenditure. It's a battle and if you have kids, it's a discipline to make sure they shut that door behind them, not to turn the thermostat up because they want to walk around in a t-shirt and shorts all day! Articles about Insulation Insulation - Save Energy Insulate Your Loft Insulate Your Walls & Windows	Saving Money by Saving Energy! Low Cost Living The Book!
Custom Search Tell a friend about this site Your Energy Saving Energy Reduce Electricty Bills Standby Electricity Costs Insulation Overview Insulate Your Loft Insulate Walls & Windows Energy Saving Lightbulbs What Fuel for Cookers Saving Water & Rainwater Harvesting Simple Solar Projects
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