Wall and Windows
Having the cavity walls filled with insulation material should, so they say, pay for itself within two years.
Up to half the heat lost in your house is through the walls!
So this along with Roof insulation will save a total of around 75%. Not to be sneezed at and once again you can recover some of the costs through Grants in certain areas and circumstances.
The process is very simple and is carried out bu Contractors. On a normal size house, the process will take just a few hours.
Because the fibres (usually mineral wool or polystyrene beads) are pumped through holes in the wall, there is no mess involved.
If you decide to go ahead, make sure the Contractor is covered and you will be covered for the 25 year cavity insulation guarantee (CIGA)..
To ensure the Contractor is bone fide contact your local Energy Efficiency Advice Centre or the National Insulation Association.
Cavity Wall Insulation
The third major insulation areas are the windows. Much heating is lost and by acquiring the right windows and glazed doors, much money can be saved on heating bills.
Regret to say that Double Glazing companies have built themselves a reputation over the years and it certainly pays to have a good look round and be firm on those repeated phone calls after a quaotation has been done.
It would seem that most first estimates are way over the top and by good bartering techniques you'll get them down by a lot of money. A good answer to inflated quotes is "It's just plastic, glass, a bloke with a can of glue" !
Basically, the wider the gap between the panes, the more insulation is achieved. If you're in a noisy area, the same applies for sound blocking as well.
It is only worth doing the windows if your existing doors are pretty well ventilation free, so looking at new door option is often recommended.
Again, use the same advice as above and check out companies before you pay any money. Also check their feedback etc.
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“ Home is a place you grow up wanting to leave, and grow old wanting to get back to” John Pearce