The massive rise in energy bills is due to hit consumers in April. As a result, many people will need to ration heat to get by. It begs the question, what can you do to make your home more energy-efficient and mitigate the risks that come with the impending energy crisis?
What can you do for a more energy efficient home?
An energy efficient home will lower costs of running your household, keep the heat in, and help to stabilise your bills at a time where the cost of living continues to increase. Not to mention you’ll be reducing your carbon emissions and doing your bit for the environment!
Loft Insulation
The UK’s climate change committee head has warned that the nation needs to do more to insulate draughty homes. Insulation is essential for maintaining an energy efficient home, when fitted correctly, insulation retains heat within the home and reduces heat loss through the loft during the colder months; saving more than £500 per year on energy bills.
There are several different types of insulation made from a wide range of materials. The material will dictate their price and effectiveness, so all factors should be considered when choosing the best material for your project.
Heat naturally rises, resulting in a quarter of the heat loss through the roof of your home. When you have your heating on in the winter, it will travel upwards throughout the house into the loft and escape through the roof – loft insulation is the go-to option to prevent this.
Loft insulation is an easy DIY project that most people can do to improve the efficiency of your home. Alternatively, Instaloft can help you lay your loft insulation in a specific way; one layer between your joists and another layer lengthways across the joists. Doing so will mean that your loft insulation will be up to building regulation standards.
This loft insulation will last indefinitely, so you won’t have to change it every few years. We only use insulation made with ECOSE Technology. ECOSE Technology uses rapidly renewable organic materials and a formaldehyde-free binding process with no added dyes. The technology also boasts up to 70% embodied energy, helping your insulation save you money.
Loft Boarding
Did you know that ill-fitted loft boards can squash your existing insulation and reduce the overall energy efficiency of your home by up to 50%? This compressed insulation can make your property feel colder in the winter, and you’ll see your energy bills soar as a result.
Instaloft installs LoftZone’s fully patented raised loft boarding system, designed specifically to allow loft boarding to sit over the insulation, leaving a gap to protect and ensure an energy efficient home is maintained. It does this by fixing the boards onto a rigid subframe raised above the loft’s joists. The air gap will allow your insulation to work as intended and reduce heat loss in your home, keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer resulting in a reduction of energy bills.
Loft Lining and Trim
Alongside your loft boarding and insulation, you can protect your belongings and add extra efficiency to your home by adding loft lining and trim. Installing loft lining will help seal up any cracks where heat may be escaping to the outside or water could come in, protecting your loft and saving you money on your heating.
Similar to insulation, several types are available. The first is a breathable membrane that allows your roof to breathe, removing the need for ventilation. The lining will improve your home’s energy efficiency as it provides durable protection against condensation, water and air infiltration. Thermal foil loft lining is a type of insulation fitted to the rafters of your loft designed to keep your house warmer during the winter, but its reflective qualities will also keep your loft cool in the summer.
Loft trim is another option to be installed, lining the hatch entrance to hide away and protect your insulation, further improving its efficiency.
We can provide a complete loft package that can overhaul your home’s energy efficiency and savings. Contact us today and speak to one of our friendly colleagues who can start your loft transformation journey. Call us on 08000463955 or email us at enquiries@instaloft.co.uk.