Many people believe that heat only ever flows upwards. This is not the case. Heat is actually capable of flowing in any direction. This means that any part of your home that is not properly insulated will allow for heat loss.We call this process heat loss, and it results in higher fuel bills for many thousands of UK home owners every year.
Well insulated homes almost always pay less for fuel. To effectively insulate your home, you must address all the main sources of heat loss.
Here are the four main sources of heat loss in the home:
- Walls – Poor wall insulation accounts for 35-45% of heat loss in the home. Houses in the UK generally have either solid walls or cavity walls. Though it is easier to insulate cavity walls, solid walls can still be insulated.
- Roof – Obviously, if you live in a flat with upstairs neighbours, you will not lose any heat through the ceiling. However, uninsulated roofs and attics account for up to 20% of heat loss in the home.
- Windows & Doors – Contrary to popular belief, windows and doors actually account for the least amount of heat loss in the home. It is true that draughts are more noticeable when they are coming through windows and doors. However, these points of entry actually account for very little of the overall surface area of your home’s exterior. As most of this surface area is taken up by the walls and the roof, it is here that most of the heat is lost.
- Floor – The amount of heat lost through your floor will depend on the age and the construction of your home. In older houses with cellars and stone foundations, the floor can account for up to 10% of heat loss.