Insulating your house is a smart investment that not only improves the energy efficiency of your home, but also increases your comfort and reduces your energy bills. So it's good for the environment, your wallet and your enjoyment of living.
In this blog post, we will discuss five important steps you can take to insulate your home in the best possible way. Whether you have an older home or a newly built one, these tips are relevant for anyone who wants to save on energy costs and help the environment.
1. Floor insulation:
Floor insulation is essential to prevent heat loss through the floor. Installing insulation material under the floor can prevent cold air from the crawl space from entering your living spaces. This makes for a much more pleasant indoor temperature and lower heating costs.
There are different types of floor insulation available, such as insulation foam, insulation foil or insulation mattresses. The right type of insulation depends on the material of your floor and the accessibility of the crawl space.
2. Cavity wall insulation:
Cavity wall insulation is an effective way to reduce heat loss through walls. In older homes, there is often an open space between inner and outer walls, called the cavity. Insulating this cavity with insulation material, such as glass wool or EPS beads, prevents heat loss and improves the energy efficiency of your home. Insulating your cavity walls is a relatively quick and easy process that you get a specialised company to carry out and often pays for itself within a few years.
3. Insulating attic and basement:
The attic and basement are often areas that deserve extra attention when insulating your home. Warm air rises, so a lot of heat can be lost through the roof if the attic is not properly insulated.
Installing roof insulation, such as glass wool blankets or insulation boards, prevents this heat loss and keeps the temperature in the attic - and therefore in the rooms below - pleasant.
In addition, insulating an uninsulated basement can stop cold air from migrating up through the floor. Basements are often cooler than other parts of the house, so insulating them contributes to a more even indoor temperature and helps save energy.
4. Replace window frames:
Besides insulating walls and floors, it is also important to pay attention to your windows and doors. Poorly insulated windows can lead to a lot of draughts and heat loss in winter, while causing unwanted heating in summer.
Draughts really make it feel much less pleasant in your home. By replacing old window frames with energy-efficient double-glazed or even triple-glazed variants, you can save considerable energy. It also provides better sound insulation and increases the value of your home.
5. Types of insulation:
There are different types of insulation materials available, each with their own properties and applications. Glass wool is a widely used material because of its good insulating properties and fire safety.
EPS beads, made of expanded polystyrene, are often used in cavity wall insulation because of their high insulation value and moisture resistance. Moreover, they are easier to apply.
There are also natural insulation materials available, such as flax, hemp or sheep's wool. These materials are sustainably produced and have good thermal properties.
6. Other ways to keep your home warm
Besides properly insulating your home, there are more steps you can take to stay warm and comfortable during the cold winter months. For instance, you can install draught strips and radiator foil and make sure you take a breath of air daily.
7. See if you qualify for a grant
One last tip we want to give you: in many cases, you can receive a contribution from the municipality or government when you insulate your home. On this page, the government will tell you more about how to insulate your home as economically as possible, other steps you can take and about subsidies.
All in all, insulating your home is an investment that will pay off in the long run. It not only improves the energy efficiency of your home, but also increases your comfort level and reduces your energy bills.
Through floor insulation, cavity wall insulation, attic and basement insulation, replacing window frames and choosing the right types of insulation material, you can insulate your home in the best possible way. Remember to consider the specific needs of your home at each step and seek advice from a professional if necessary.
Turn your home into an energy-efficient oasis and enjoy a more comfortable living environment, while helping the environment at the same time. In short, insulation is win-win!