How to insulate your home effectively

It’s the time of year when we all begin to fire up the boilers once more and in a poorly insulated home, a quarter of that heat can be lost through the roof. Not only does this mean you are losing heat, but also your hard earned cash! With a few simple steps you can insulate areas of your home effectively and make huge savings on your energy bills. Firstly, stop energy loss around your doors by fitting draught excluders. They are very easy to apply and can make a real difference on internal as well as external doors. Make sure the windows are well insulated by checking for cracks and crevices around the window frames. Use a sealant to fill any holes or cracks – choose a sealant that comes in a tube form and cut the nozzle at an angle to help ensure a smooth application. If you don’t already have it, consider double glazing as it could save you money in the long run. If you have any gaps between the skirting board and floor, perhaps between floorboards too, use a silicone sealant to fill them. Alternatively, fit some floor insulation beneath the boards and use a rug to block little draughts. Insulating the attic or loft can have a huge impact on your energy bills. It is one of the most efficient energy saving options, cheap and a simple DIY job. Loft roll or slab insulation is typically installed in an attic. Loft roll is usually less expensive to install than slab insulation and provides better coverage. Before insulating, seal any air leaks and make any necessary roof repairs to make sure your hard work pays off! If you have a ‘cold wall’ in your home (usually a concrete or stone wall with poor or no insulation), you can build a simple dry wall using plasterboard and add some insulation between the two. Finally, wrap your boiler in an insulating jacket. This will cut heat loss by up to 75%!