We all know the value of having good insulation in our homes. It has been one of the key targets of government initiatives over the last couple of decades or so to make sure that all our houses and businesses are insulated as well as possible. New builds are currently constructed with this in mind and older houses have benefited from good loft and cavity wall insulation.
The benefits are far reaching for both domestic properties who want to save on fuel bills and businesses that want to make sure they are lowering their carbon footprints.
Insulation works by providing a layer that stops or greatly reduces heat loss. Insulation can be used in your walls, floors and loft spaces with many types of insulation and solutions available, all of which can help keep your home warm in the winter and reasonably temperate in the summer.
An uninsulated house loses a large amount of heat through the walls, windows and roof costing hundreds of pounds a year. Just a 10cm fibreglass loft insulation can cut down heat loss through the roof by up to 75%. Whilst products like external wall insulation may cost a fair amount more, there are plenty of other cost effective measures that you can introduce to make your building more heat efficient.
There are plenty of incentives out there to help you make sure your property is properly insulated, from the Green Deal to the offer of free installation by the major energy companies, particularly for those on a limited budget. The majority of insulation is very low maintenance and can be basically left to fend for itself. Loft insulation may well need to be checked on occasion, depending on the type that you use, and replaced if it has been flattened out by workmen or people going up into the attic.
If you live in Leicester or Leicestershire, you may be eligible for various grants to support your home energy efficiency upgrades.
