Creating Warmer Homes And Limiting Climate Change
The benefits of warmer homes include –
- Higher level of thermal comfort
- Less condensation due to difference in internal and external temperatures
- Healthier living conditions
- Less respiratory and pneumonia illnesses
- Lower heating bills
- Lengthens life of building fabric
- Reduces emissions of greenhouse gases responsible for global warming
Step 1 Identify source(s) of heat loss
- Radiators – cold areas so poor heat transfer
- Ventilation – drafts around windows and doors
- Loft – less than 300 mm of mineral wool insulation
- External walls – post 1945 – cavity between courses not insulated
- External walls – pre 1945 – external or internal insulation not fitted
- Single rather than double glazed
Step 2 Reduce heat loss in terms of increasing cost
- Radiators – bleed to release trapped gases; then ensure that heating engineer adds 250 cc inhibitor/descaler to central heating water when servicing boiler – take advantage of Vexo’s free offer at voucher@vexoint.com for a limited time period
- Ventilation – fit draft excluder to window and door frames – available at any local DIY shop like Kings
- Loft – install or increase level of mineral fibre insulation to 300 mm
- External walls – post 1945 – insulate cavity with mineral fibre
- Windows – replace single by double glazing in rooms most used first
- External walls – pre 1945 – externally insulate with at least 50 mm insulation – consult local supplier like Insta Group
For more information go to www.simpleenergyadvice.org.uk or consult your local Citizens Advice Bureau regarding availability of grants.