Friday, April 11, 2008

Step One, Insulating and Draught-proofing


One of the first things you can do is to make sure that your home is properly draught-proofed and insulated. In newer homes it can make sense to install double glazing, and some new developments are opting for treble-glazing. In period homes you can make sure that your shutters are used on winter nights, and make good use of you’re fond of books, placing curtains.

There are lots of products out there that can be used to keep out draughts from doors and windows. Insulation has never been cheaper, and you can opt for extremely environmentally friendly options made from lambs wool or recycled newspaper.

It’s worth your while sticking your head up into the attic and if you don’t have a foot of insulation there (350mm), maybe it’s time for a trip to Woodies DIY or somewhere similar this weekend.

Terraced houses gain from the insulation value of the homes next door, and apartments are even more energy-efficient. One-off houses can be harder to heat because they have more external walls.

You might consider dry-lining external walls if you don’t have wall insulation, and if you’re an avid reader you might like to place bookshelves inside external walls as they can work wonders for your insulation values.

Don’t forget about your hot water cylinder. These days they come with foam insulation already attached, but if you can the copper is exposed, buying a lagging jacket in your local DIY store will pay for itself within the year.

3 comments:

edj said...

I agree with your sentiments and we are trying to go as green as possible but living in one of the typical Ireland in the thousands in the last ten years, we are flummoxed with the compulsory air vents in every room. When the wind blows on a stormy night it's like having the window wide open. Any solutions?

edj said...

Sorry I meant one of the many estate houses built in Ireland in the last 10 years.

Ciarán said...

Yup, it can be hard to get the balance right between air flow and insulation. I'm reluctant to suggest filling the air holes, as every room needs a the air to be changed on a regular basis.

Maybe keeping the doors closed in each room, and sealing around them might help.