Insulation

Installing or upgrading the insulation of almost any house or building will give the fastest economic return on any investment in any type of heating system with the added benefit of having the greatest impact on lowering CO2 emissions.

• Loft Insulation is the cheapest to install and gives a great and immediate payback; you can usually literally feel the payback the same day!
• Cavity Wall Insulation is normally quite straightforward and usually completed in a relatively few hours by Specialist Company's who will recommend materials depending on the construction of your building – One should be careful with old or listed buildings as the insulation could affect the fabric of the building with potentially disastrous consequences.
  
• Wall Insulation where there is no cavity is more expensive and problematic, however there are new products emerging each year that can improve the ease of retro fit and effectiveness of insulation in innovative ways with stunning results.
  
• Floor Insulation is often overlooked but can be (after Loft Insulation) the second most effective form. Like Wall Insulation above it often requires raising floorboards or floor height (for solid floors). This if combined with the laying of underfloor heating will transform the energy efficiency of your house and give good payback both financially and environmentally.
• Double Glazing , or nowadays triple glazing is costly and usually only justified when the windows need replacing anyway. Modern triple glazed windows, which are argon filled and manufactured with low emission glass, have a dramatic effect on a building but unfortunately at quite a high cost and long payback period. Where Double glazing is not possible or desirable one should consider fitting secondary glazing which can be removed during mild weather.
• Hot Water Cylinder Jacket If you do not have one fitted you should be ashamed of yourself! Go out and buy one today!
• General Insulation Without resorting to any of the above or better still as well as any or all of the above it is usually worthwhile fitting heavy curtains to all windows and doors. Further draught proofing around doors and windows is cheap and easy as is fitting flue stops such as balloons in chimneys in order to stop draughts.