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Limit the flow of heat through your roof, walls, windows and gaps. Insulate ceiling, walls and floors. As much as 35% of heat loss from a house is through an uninsulated ceiling; uninsulated walls account for a further 15 to 25% and uninsulated floors lose between 10 and 20% of heat. Seal out draughts by sealing cracks and gaps, fitting dampers to fireplaces and blocking unnecessary vents: cut annual greenhouse gas emissions by hundreds of kilograms. Cut heat-flow through windows by shading them from hot sun and installing close-fitting blinds or curtains with pelmets. In extreme climates, install double-glazed windows with ‘low emissivity’ insulating glass. If buying windows, look for energy rating labels to help you assess the performance of different types of windows. Covering internal walls, particularly those that face south, can reduce heat loss in winter. Even a large woollen wall-hanging can provide extra insulation. |
