subject: Why you need insulation [print this page] Why you need insulation Why you need insulation
Insulation is necessary in all buildings, whether used as your home or an office or factory, to reduce energy bills and help protect the environment. The government have launched various initiatives to encourage people to save energy all over the UK. The building that is of most concern to many people is the home. It is possible to pay a professional company to insulate your home, but it is a relatively simple procedure which many people are capable of doing themselves.
Homes use 80 percent of energy for heating purposes, which can add up to a hefty energy bill. This amount also contributes to the UK's carbon emissions, of which a quarter of emissions are generated from heating homes. Reducing the amount of energy used will not only be environmentally friendly and protect our climate, but also drastically reduce energy bills, which are rising continually.
There are several steps you can take to reduce the amount of energy you use. Turning down your heating can considerably save energy used over a year, saving money on your energy bills. Wear extra layers rather than turn the heating up. Installing a new energy efficient boiler will also reduce bills and conserve energy. In some cases it may be possible to obtain a government grant towards the cost of a new boiler. Insulating your home will keep heat in and stop cold draughts from getting in. Insulation throughout the home will reduce energy bills considerably, help prevent climate change and keep your home warm and cosy.
As much of the heat in a home is lost through the walls and roof of a house loft insulation and cavity wall insulation should be considered. Loft insulation is simple to do yourself and the cost will be recouped within two years. The insulation in your loft should be 270 mm and if it is less than this you will benefit by topping it up to the recommended level. Loft insulation once installed is effective for a minimum of 40 years, saving you money each year by reducing your energy bills. Cavity wall insulation or solid wall insulation will stop heat from escaping through the walls, but must be installed by a professional company.
Draught proofing your home is another effective measure you can take against the cold draughts entering your home. Gaps around doors and windows can easily be filled with foam draught excluder strips, which you fit between the door or window and frame. Select the correct size, as the wrong size will either stop the door or window closing properly or be ineffective.
Any pipes in the home, especially the loft should have pipe lagging fitted. In cold weather conditions any pipes which are not insulated may burst. Water tanks should also be fitted with an insulation jacket of a suitable size to keep water hot for much longer. Here at Wickes we stock insulation for all areas of your home, as well as ideas to make your home energy efficient, reducing your energy bills and carbon emissions.
Insulation in the home will prevent heat escaping and cold air entering, saving you money on your energy bills, reducing carbon emissions and keeping you warm and cosy through winter.
