Rising energy costs have us all looking for more innovative ways to cut bills and keep our homes warm. One of the biggest wins is upgrading to a modern gas boiler, which can dramatically improve efficiency and lower your heating costs.
But at WarmZilla, we know saving money on energy isn’t just about installing a new combi boiler. The way you insulate and maintain your home plays a huge part, too. In this guide, we’ll share practical tips to help you boost your home’s warmth, improve efficiency, and stay cosy all winter long.
Why does insulation matter?
Having the right insulation for your home is just as important as having the right boiler. You will find that insulation achieves two things. Firstly, during the winter, it will allow the warmth, generated by your heating system, to circulate around your home. It will keep your home cosy as it reduces the amount of heat that escapes and is wasted.
Secondly, insulation will also bring you benefits in the summer. It sees the heat being pushed out, all while your home remains well ventilated.
When is the best time to have insulation works carried out?
We’re about to run through a range of options that can insulate your home and keep it warmer in the winter. It may not be the biggest surprise to know that the best time to have any insulation works carried out is during the summer months. This gives any workman longer daylight hours, as well as better weather. It also means that come winter, you’ll be ready to reap the rewards. Let’s move on and start to look at the options.
Roof/loft insulation
Around a quarter of a home’s heat is lost through the roof, so insulating your loft is one of the smartest energy-saving moves you can make. The recommended depth for loft insulation is around 270mm, and while you can tackle it yourself with rolls of insulation from your local DIY store, many people prefer to have a professional do the job for peace of mind.
Why it’s worth it:
- Cuts heat loss and lowers your energy bills year after year
- Relatively low upfront cost compared to other home improvements
- Pays for itself multiple times over in savings
Things to keep in mind:
- Loft storage can be trickier once insulation is in place
- The loft itself will be colder, so you may need to insulate pipes and tanks to prevent freezing
Wall insulation
Did you know that up to half of the heat in your home can escape through the walls? That means even the most efficient gas boiler is working overtime if your walls aren’t properly insulated.
The right type of insulation depends on the age and build of your home:
- Cavity wall insulation – standard in homes built after the 1920s, it’s a relatively quick and affordable fix where insulation material is injected between the two layers of your wall.
- Solid wall insulation – usually needed in older properties with no cavity. This can be done internally or externally and is highly effective, but does come with a much higher upfront cost.
Why it’s worth considering:
- Cuts heat loss significantly, helping you get the most from your boiler
- Can reduce your energy bills for decades
- External insulation adds an extra layer of weatherproofing to your home
Things to watch out for:
- Poorly installed insulation can cause damp and condensation issues
- Solid wall insulation can be disruptive and expensive, so it’s a bigger long-term investment
Floor insulation
This could be as simple as laying thicker carpets to keep your heat in your home. It may also be the case of filing gaps in floorboards and skirting to prevent you from losing valuable heat. When it comes to costs here, you have a real degree of control when choosing a carpet to lay. If you are seeking more than you can explore having insulation laid under your floorboards.
Pros
- New carpets can bring an added sense of comfort and style
- Underfloor insulation will have a big impact on reducing draughts
- Warmer floor to walk on
Cons
- Potentially expensive
- Degree of disruption if floorboards are lifted
- Potential complications with electrical wiring underneath the floor
The impact of your windows
Although they may not be overly common these days, there are still some homes that have single glazed windows. These can lead to considerable heat loss and see your heating system working overtime. A switch to double glazing can bring instant benefits, and the advent of triple glazing means that you can benefit even more. For double glazed windows, you can expect to pay around £150 each. Triple glazed windows can cost £500 each and up.
Pros
- Great way of retaining heat
- Helps with noise reduction
- More secure so keeps your home safer
Cons
- Upfront expense
- Possible need for planning permission if a listed building or if you’re in a conservation area
The benefits of thermal blinds and curtains
If you want to look at quicker fixes, that doesn’t cost as much as the other options, thermal blinds and curtains are well worth exploring. These can add an extra barrier between your home and your windows and help to keep more heat inside.
Pros
- A budget-friendly method of insulation
- Can help prevent heat loss by as much as 25%
- Look great and can complement your decor
Cons
- If your home has a low EPC rating, you will probably need to explore other options alongside blinds and curtains
Exploring your heating options
Of course, insulation is a must to get the most out of your heating system and to keep the warmth where it is supposed to be. However, to get the very best out of your insulation, you need an effective boiler too. Whether you are looking at a regular boiler, combi boiler, or a system boiler, new models are much more efficient and help you to save money on your heating bills.
At WarmZilla, we certainly know a thing or two about boilers. Get in touch today and let us help to make your home cosy for winter.
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About the Author
Hi
It’s a good post to overcome the problem of heat loss during winters in efficient and economical way.
We install floor heating systems but people neglect wall and roof insulations due to expensive outcomes
Thanks
Ricky Oberoi