Home too hot? Cool it down by insulating the building
With the heatwave this summer many people will be surprised to know that one way to keep their home cool is by having it insulated.
“It’s a common misconception that insulation helps only during the winter,” said Midlands green energy expert Ron Fox.
“But spray foam is effective throughout the year, keeping the cold out during the icy months and keeping the heat out during the summer.”
He said that insulating a cavity wall slows the flow of heat out of a room in the winter. In the summer the reverse happens as outside hot air can’t get into the home so keeping the inside cool.
The big advantages are in the cooler months less heating is needed to keep the house at the required temperature, while in the warmer months, householders don’t need to use so much energy to keep their home cool,” said Ron, of Noreus Ltd.
“So, it’s a win, win situation for residents with cheaper energy bills all the year round.”
Ron said there were three types of insulation, loft, cavity wall and solid wall.
He said loft insulation was vital, as without it homes lose a quarter of their energy – it literally goes through the roof. The Energy Saving Trust said a third of homes in the UK have less than 150mm of loft insulation whereas the recommended level is 270mm.
He said before his expert team apply any loft insulation, they will first assess the roof and check and repair any damaged or leaking chimney flashing. They will also fix slipping, broken or missing tiles and replace loose hip and ridge tiles.
Cavity wall insulation: If your home was built after 1920 and before 2000 the external walls are likely to be two layers with a gap between them. Cavity wall insulation plugs that space and keeps the warmth in, reducing heat loss by 98 per cent. It also prolongs the life of the home and significantly improves the energy rating of the home. This is vital for an Energy Performance Certificate which is a legal requirement when letting or selling the building.
Solid wall insulation wraps the outside of the house so keeping the inside warmer and energy bills lower.
He said there were a number of advantages in having a home insulated. It creates a warm and cosy environment with no more draughts and chills and by preventing heat loss it means cheaper energy bills and is better for the environment. Also, it adds a protective barrier around the home stopping cold, noise and air pollutants coming inside.
Ron, of Noreus Ltd on the University of Keele Science Innovation Park, added: “If you are not sure which home insulation solution is right for you, our expert team can advise you and tell you where your home is losing heat and how to cut your
heating bills.”
For more information on how to cut your carbon footprint, call Ron on 0845 4746641.
Caption: Making a difference – insulation wraps the outside of the house so keeping the inside warmer and energy bills lower.
