WE’RE all tired of the freezing weather taking over the UK.
And we’re also tired of how much it’s costing us to heat up our homes.
Fortunately, a property expert has shared a savvy trick that will keep your heating bills down, even if the sun isn’t ready to come out.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice across the UK this week.
With the freezing temperatures setting in, the property experts at Gaffsy believe now is the perfect time to check on your loft insulation.
And as most of us will be busy putting Christmas decorations up in the loft along with any other clutter, now is the best time to check.
Checking your loft insulation could save up to £300 annually on energy bills.
That’s because if the top of your house isn’t properly insulated, you’ll lose up to 25% of heat through the roof.
And there’s a tell tale sign if something is wrong that even your neighbours can see.
The experts say: “On a frosty or snowy day, look up at your roof from outside your home.
“If frost or snow covers your roof evenly, that is a sign that your roof is properly insulated.
“If the frost/snow coverage is patchy and sparse, that is usually an indication that heat is escaping through your roof. This could lead to energy loss and higher heating costs.”
Oren Kander, senior valuer and director at Gaffsy said: “Many homeowners don’t realise that the condition of their roof on a frosty morning can reveal a lot about their home’s energy efficiency.
“Uneven frost or snow melt indicates that heat is escaping, which not only drives up energy bills but also decreases your home’s temperature.
“By addressing insulation issues early, you can prevent significant heat loss, improve your home’s energy efficiency, and make substantial savings on your heating costs. It’s a simple observation that can make a big difference.”
How can I tell if my loft insulation needs improving/replacing?
There are three main ways to check on the quality of your insulation:
The recommended thickness of loft insulation is 270mm. If your insulation falls short of this, it is advised that you add more layers to reach the recommended depth.
The main things you should look for when checking your roof insulation are mould, moisture and holes. If these signs are present on your insulation, it is advisable to replace it.
Insulation materials deteriorate over time. If your insulation is more than 20-30 years old, it may need replacing, as newer materials are more efficient.
5 ways to keep your house warm in winter
Property expert Joshua Houston shared his tips.
1. Curtains
“Windows are a common place for the outside cold to get into your home, this is because of small gaps that can let in air so always close your curtains as soon as it gets dark,” he said.
This simple method gives you an extra layer of warmth as it can provide a kind of “insulation” between your window and curtain.
2. Rugs
“Your floor is another area of your home where heat can be lost and can make your home feel chilly,” he continued. “You might notice on cold days, that your floor is not nice to walk on due to it freezing your feet.
“Add rugs to areas that don’t already have a carpet, this provides a layer of insulation between your bare floor and the room above.”
3. Check your insulation
Check your pipes, loft space, crawlspaces and underneath floorboards.
“Loose-fill insulation is very good for this, and is a more affordable type of insulation, with a big bag being able to be picked up for around £30,” Joshua explained.
4. Keep your internal doors closed
“Household members often gather in one room in the evening, and this is usually either the kitchen or living room,” Joshua said.
“This means you only have to heat a small area of your home, and closing the doors keeps the heat in and the cold out.”
5. Block drafts
Don’t forget to check cat flaps, chimneys and letterboxes, as they can let in cold air if they aren’t secure.
Why is loft insulation so important?
Here are the three main reasons why proper loft insulation is vital:
Poor insulation can cause higher energy bills because you’ll need more heat to keep your home warm through winter.
Insulating your loft effectively could save up to £300 on energy bills per year, depending on your home’s size and energy efficiency.
25% of the heat in our homes escapes through the roof without sufficient insulation, which could range from zero insulation to damaged insulation.
How to properly store Christmas decorations in the loft
Storing decorations or other items incorrectly can damage the insulation, compressing it and reducing its impact. This could cause bills to rise as insulation deteriorates.
Here are three tips for putting Christmas decorations away safely:
Christmas decorations should be stored correctly around your loft – on boarded areas of floor or shelving if possible, avoiding contact with insulation.
Make sure heavier items, like artificial trees, are placed with care in a section of the loft with plenty of support.
Avoid storing boxes in an area with contact with brickwork, like walls and chimneys. Storing boxes against these surfaces can lead to dampness, which may damage the contents of the boxes, particularly if they are made of cardboard.
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