Heat loss in your home – where is it all going?
You’re not the only one who has been wondering how to deal with heat loss in your home. It’s a common problem in UK homes, just like a household leak. New innovations find effective ways to stop heat escaping your house. This is not only good for your wallet but the environment too. But sometimes problems still occur. Don’t worry. There are things you can do to identify where your house is losing heat and stop it in its tracks.
Where is your home losing heat?
Heat leaves everyone’s home. If it didn’t, it would turn into a sauna. The problem with houses losing heat is the rate at which they do so. If it goes too fast, you’re losing money as you need more and more energy to keep warm.
According to The Green Age, approximately 25% of the heat produced by your boiler will escape through the roof of your home. 35% will escape through the walls and gaps around windows and doors. 10% disappears through the floor. All of these areas of heat loss are collectively known as the thermal envelope. It’s this you need to tackle if you want to keep the heat in and the bills low.
Insulate your roof
Installing loft insulation is the best course of action to improve your home’s energy efficiency. It’s affordable and easy to install, and the payback from doing so will take no more than two years on average. Loft insulation remains effective for 40 years. So, whether you’re there for the long run or looking to sell, the value of your home increases after installation. And, even if your loft is inaccessible, there are other ways to insulate it, such as through the use of blown insulation. The benefit is you end up spending less on your heating bills as the warmth is retained. A perfect one-two punch if you have a good boiler.
Insulate your walls
The type of walls in your house depends on when it was built, and the amount of heat loss it allows depends on which kind it is. Generally, homes built after 1930 have cavity walls. Anything made before this time usually has solid walls.
Cavity walls are simple to insulate. The cavities are filled with insulating materials which quickly get the job done and slow the transfer of heat to the outside of the house. Solid walls are slightly more complicated to insulate. The lack of a cavity means either internal or external insulation must take place, which can be costly. Fortunately, there are grants available to help cover the cost of solid wall insulation. Wall insulation is something worth doing if you want to use less energy and save money.
Double-glazed windows
In the UK, 7% of households don’t have double glazing. The government claims that by installing A-rated energy efficient double glazing, each year you could save:
- £120 – £155 on a detached house
- £80 – £110 on a semi-detached house
- £65 – £85 on a mid terrace house
- £55 – £75 on a bungalow
- £40 – 55 on a mid-floor flat
The lower savings on flats and bungalows many not seem worth the cost of installing double glazing which can cost thousands per window. But, there are other ways to improve your windows insulation properties. Secondary glazing or draught-proofing are viable, less expensive options for your windows.
These are just a few ways to stop you losing heat in your home which will save you money on the energy bills. But, one of the best ways to keep costs down when it comes to your heating is to install a new, energy-efficient boiler, that reduces the amount of energy your home needs to stay warm.
For more information about the best boiler for your home, or if it’s time for yours to get a checkup, get in touch with GOS Heating today on 01772 734 966. Our fantastic boiler service cover will make sure your house stays cosy throughout the coming winter.
