Do the penny test: If draught stripping is not present, try sliding a 1p coin between a window and its frame. A gap this size could benefit from draught stripping to improve occupant comfort.
Did you know... A door with a 3mm gap around it will let in as much cold air as a hole in the wall the size of a brick.
- Draught stripping: Draught stripping is a simple, cost-effective measure and should be undertaken anywhere that a draught can be felt, particularly around windows and door frames. Where draught stripping is already present, check it is in good condition and is not damp. Re-install new draught stripping to any damaged areas.
- Keep windows and doors closed when heating or air-conditioning is in operation: Use the system controls to achieve the correct temperature. Fit automatic door closers to external doors and also to any internal doors that separate spaces with different heating requirements.
- Draw curtains/blinds at the end of the day: This helps to retain heat during winter and reduce heat from the evening sun in summer.
- Use blinds to redirect sunlight: Light can be directed on to ceiling areas or further into a space, allowing daylight in whilst reducing glare and uncomfortable heat gains. Avoid situations where blinds are down and lights are on, however, which is an unnecessary use of electric lighting.
Walls
Nearly 10% of heat lost through building fabric escapes via the walls of a building.
- Check for draughts, especially around skirting and roof joins as well as around window and door frames. Seal up any gaps where a draught can be felt to reduce heating costs and improve comfort.
- Find out whether your external walls are cavity or solid walls. Cavity walls should be filled with insulation. Speak to a cavity wall installer to get some advice on your options, but always obtain a number of quotes before getting any work done.
Roofs
Over 20% of the heat lost through building fabric escapes through the roof. Improving insulation levels in this area can be extremely cost-effective, especially in pitched roofs.
- Check any accessible roof areas for insulation. Install insulation where it is not present or where it is less that 150 mm (6 inches) thick. Roof insulation keeps a space warmer when heating is on and cooler in summer by reducing the amount of heat entering from outside.
Insulating any loft spaces in a building could reduce heat loss by 25%, providing a quick payback in one to four years.
- Insulate any pipework running through the roof space to reduce risk of damage due to freezing.
- Inspect roofs for signs of damage. This is especially important for flat roofs, so keep an eye out for signs of damp, water puddles on the surface and any signs that the roof is changing shape. In pitched roofs, check that insulation (including pipe insulation) is dry and undamaged. Take action to repair damage early to avoid unnecessary costs.
- Re-circulate warmer air. As heat rises, buildings with high ceilings can suffer a significant temperature difference between the floor and ceiling heights. Install re-circulation or ‘de-stratification’ fans in ceiling areas to move warmer air back down to occupied levels. This can reduce heating requirements and improve occupant comfort.
Ceilings and floors
Often overlooked as an area for energy saving, but nearly 10% of heat lost from a building escapes via the ground floor. As heat rises, upper floors can often feel too warm whilst the lower ones struggle to reach a comfortable temperature.
- Seal gaps and cracks: Simply sealing any cracks in the floor can improve internal comfort conditions and reduce costs.
- Seal gaps in skirting and between floorboards of suspended timber floors to save 1% of total heating fuel costs.
- Insulate between floors, either under existing floorboards or in suspended ceilings to reduce overheating. Use good insulating materials such as cork or rockwool and a polymer sealant between floorboards to prevent draughts. Take care to ensure any electrical cables sharing the same space have enough room to prevent them from overheating.
Most floor improvements are expensive and disruptive so these measures are best incorporated in major refurbishment projects.
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