Our Guide to Insulation: Keeping Homes Warm This Winter

As temperatures drop, keeping your home warm and energy-efficient becomes essential. Insulation is key to maintaining a comfortable and cost-effective living space, acting as a barrier to prevent heat loss and reduce energy bills. Not only does it help in winter, but it also keeps your home cooler in summer, offering year-round benefits. 

In this guide, we’ll explore how insulation works, the different types available, and the financial benefits of upgrading your home’s energy efficiency.

How does insulation work?

Insulation is a protective buffer between the inside and outside of your home. It works by trapping tiny pockets of air, which help slow down the transfer of heat. This helps to ensure the warmth generated in your home stays inside.

A well-insulated home doesn’t just mean better comfort, it translates to reduced heat loss, lower energy consumption and significant savings on energy bills.

Types of insulation – Where can you retrofit insulation?

Insulating your home effectively requires understanding the areas where heat is most likely to escape. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Walls

According to Energy Saving Trust, around one third of a homes heat loss is through 

uninsulated walls. The type of insulation you can add to your walls depends on the type of walls your home has, either solid brick or cavity walls. 

• Solid Walls: Common in older properties, these require either internal or external insulation. Rigid insulation boards are the most effective choice, providing a strong barrier to heat loss.
• Cavity Walls: Found in more modern homes, these can be insulated by injecting material, such as foam or beads, into the wall cavity—a job best left to professionals.

2. Roof

Since heat rises, a poorly insulated roof can lead to significant heat loss. The recommended depth of mineral wool insulation in lofts is 270mm. It can be installed between joists and layered on top for optimal performance. A well-insulated roof can noticeably reduce energy bills and enhance your home’s energy efficiency.

3. Floor

Don’t let heat escape beneath your feet! The type of insulation you can install depends on your flooring type:

• Suspended Floors: Insulation can be added between the joists.
• Concrete Floors: Insulation boards can be placed directly on top to prevent heat loss.

Financial benefits of insulating your home

Proper insulation isn’t just good for comfort—it’s great for your wallet. Here’s what you could save annually, according to the Energy Saving Trust (based on a gas-heated home and October 2024 fuel prices):

Insulating is not just for the winter!

While insulation is a must-have for the colder months, it’s equally beneficial in summer. Insulated homes stay cooler by blocking out external heat.  It’s a win-win solution for every season.

How We Help Homeowners Improve Energy Efficiency

We support homeowners to take control of their home’s energy efficiency through home retrofits. Using our innovative Retrofit App, you can:

1. Create a digital replica of your home.
2. Compare and plan insulation and retrofit options tailored to your needs.
3. Work with TrustMark-approved assessors and contractors, ensuring top-quality results at every stage of your journey.

From start to finish, we’re here to guide you toward a greener, more energy-efficient future.

Take the first step toward a warmer, more energy-efficient home today. To get started on your Retrofit journey, click here: https://retrogreen.co.uk/