Insulation: The easyiest way to reduce bills and cut fossil fuel use.
Simple to install insulation means that most of us can improve our EPC rating and see our bills reduce.
Summer is a great time to do this work, in readiness for this cold winter when fuel prices are predicted to still be high.
Transition Northwich are compiling clear information to help you get started.
If you have any questions or useful information simply use the 'Contact Us' link at the top.
Summer is a great time to do this work, in readiness for this cold winter when fuel prices are predicted to still be high.
Transition Northwich are compiling clear information to help you get started.
If you have any questions or useful information simply use the 'Contact Us' link at the top.
Roof Insulation - start at the top!
New building regulations recommend that all homes now have at least 27cm of soft insulation in the attic.
Mineral wool is an easy to use, affordable product that you can fit yourself. It can cut heat loss dramatically.
Placing fresh mineral wool between the attic floor rafters and then another layer at 90degress will create excellent insulation and still allow your loft to breath.
Many companies are advertising 'spray foam' style insulation below the tiles. We are unsure how long this lasts and what will happen as it degrades. It might hold moisture in the roof space which could create damp issues.
In time we will learn more about this technique.
Storage IS still possible with deeper insulation.
Simple baton constructions can be built to create raised surfaces for storing boxes and belongings.
Mineral wool is an easy to use, affordable product that you can fit yourself. It can cut heat loss dramatically.
Placing fresh mineral wool between the attic floor rafters and then another layer at 90degress will create excellent insulation and still allow your loft to breath.
Many companies are advertising 'spray foam' style insulation below the tiles. We are unsure how long this lasts and what will happen as it degrades. It might hold moisture in the roof space which could create damp issues.
In time we will learn more about this technique.
Storage IS still possible with deeper insulation.
Simple baton constructions can be built to create raised surfaces for storing boxes and belongings.
STOP Sneaky Draughts!
Test your widows and doors for draughts. On a windy day hold your hand, or a candle flame up around your doors and windows. Don't forget to test around your letter box!
Can you feel any cool breeze or draughts? Poorly fitted doors and windows are leak cold air into your home and allow heat to escape. Over time existing seals can perish. Thermal cameras reveal how much heat is lost through our doors and windows.
Rolls of spongy tape are a cheap and easy way to ensure your doors and windows close tighter against their frames - reducing draughts and heat loss.
Curtains are a simple and effective way to reduce heat escaping. Check they are long enough to cover the window fully and thick enough to effectively stop draughts. Remember draught excluders? If you have a gap at the base of the door a weighted draught excluder can really help.
Can you feel any cool breeze or draughts? Poorly fitted doors and windows are leak cold air into your home and allow heat to escape. Over time existing seals can perish. Thermal cameras reveal how much heat is lost through our doors and windows.
Rolls of spongy tape are a cheap and easy way to ensure your doors and windows close tighter against their frames - reducing draughts and heat loss.
Curtains are a simple and effective way to reduce heat escaping. Check they are long enough to cover the window fully and thick enough to effectively stop draughts. Remember draught excluders? If you have a gap at the base of the door a weighted draught excluder can really help.
Wall insulation - cut your bills dramatically!
Basic plaster or plaster board offers very little insulation.
Installing 2" thick insulated plaster board inside your home instead will dramatically improve the insulation.
You only need to install this on exterior walls which go to the outside, so if you live in a terraced house that would be the front and back of the property, as adjoining neighbours and other rooms within your home act as insulation.
Installing 2" thick insulated plaster board inside your home instead will dramatically improve the insulation.
You only need to install this on exterior walls which go to the outside, so if you live in a terraced house that would be the front and back of the property, as adjoining neighbours and other rooms within your home act as insulation.
Heat Exchangers - keep your home warm and dry
It is very important to ventilate our homes to let wet air from bathrooms, drying washing and cooking to escape. If this wet air stays in the house it condenses, drips downs walls and windows and can create black mould. Black mould is very bad for our health and is costly and time consuming to remove.
Air from bathrooms and kitchens is warm, so although you want to lose the moisture, it's a waste to lose the heat.
Small heat exchangers allow the warm air going out to heat up cool air coming in. These can be fitted in existing vent holes, vary in cost and can be very quiet. They can be connected to automatically run when the bathroom light is on, which is useful if you have forgetful teenagers or tenants!
Air from bathrooms and kitchens is warm, so although you want to lose the moisture, it's a waste to lose the heat.
Small heat exchangers allow the warm air going out to heat up cool air coming in. These can be fitted in existing vent holes, vary in cost and can be very quiet. They can be connected to automatically run when the bathroom light is on, which is useful if you have forgetful teenagers or tenants!