Home insulation
Insulation is the most important way to reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Depending on your home, insulation can be quick to retro fit without major renovations, but should certainly be included in new builds or during major renovations, when it is easier to install.
What is insulation?
All materials allow heat to pass through them. Insulation reduces the amount of heat transferred through building materials like brick, plasterboard, glass and metal by providing substantial resistance to heat flow either in to or out of a building. This means that the need for heating and cooling is minimised. Ideally, insulation should be installed in the ceiling, walls and floors of your home to create a sealed envelope which acts like a thermos in winter to keep heat inside, and like an esky in summer, to keep heat out.
Benefits of insulation
Insulation is the cornerstone of an energy efficient home. Insulation is also the most cost-effective way to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of your home. A fully insulated home compared to a non-insulated home can reduce the cost of heating and cooling a home by around 40 to 50%. Adding bulk insulation, either to new or existing homes creates a more comfortable home year round, virtually eliminates condensation on walls and ceilings and can pay for itself in around five to six years.
