ARTICLE - Get your home warm this winter

This article is taken from the Federation of Master Builders Newsletter Winter 2009 - loads of ideas on getting your home warm and not spending too much money doin so! - We hope it helps but please don't hesitate to contact us if you need more advice.

 

 

There are a variety of ways to make sure your home and the people in it are warm enough, without increasing your energy use. In fact, you could actually redce your bills by around £300 by increasing insulation, and draught proofing in your home.

Also, if you are considering moving, remember Energy Performance Certificates show how efficient your home is, and could sway a potential buyer if they are good!

INSULATION

You can lose 25% of your heat through the roof. 35% through the walls and 15% through the floor, so if you are embarking on any building work, it will pay to maximise your insulation. The government regulator OFGEM recommends a minimum level of 250mm-270mm of loft insulation. If yours is not at this level, its worth having it topped up. Also, make sure that any water tanks and pipes are properly lagged.

A good builder can advise on the best way to maximise wall insulation for your type of wall, whether cavity or solid. Floor insulation is worthwhile even if you have carpets. check with your local builder for your options.


DRAUGHT EXCLUSION

Its worth considering double glazing if you have single pane windows, as you can make big reductions in heat loss by adding extra glazing.

Inadequate draught proofing of windows and doors accounts to 25% of heat loss. Simple Measures can save energy and retain heat. Check that your doors and windows close properly, fit draught excluders, draught proofing strips or brush strips around all external and internal doors and windows, make sure there are no gaps between floorboards and skirting boards, these can easily be filled.

BOILER AND HEATING CONTROLS

Heating and hot water account for 60% of the average fuel bill. Modern condensing gas boilers are highly energy efficient and if your boiler is coming to the end of its life, it may be time to replace it. Fitting thermostatic valves to radiators enables you to adjust the temperature in each room independantly, which can significantly reduce your fuel bills. You should set the valves to a lower temperature in the bedrooms and kitchen, but warmer in the living room and bathrooms. Discuss options with your local builder or heating engineer if replacing a boiler, it is essential for the work to be carried out by a gas safe registered engineer.



SOME MORE WAYS TO GET COSY THIS WINTER

• Fit thick curtains and make sure they don't hang over radiators
• Put aluminium foil behind radiators on outside walls to reflect heat back into the room
• Don't heat unused rooms
• Draught proof your letter box