The energy market remains unpredictable. It's no surprise, then, that more and more people are looking for ways to save energy. Solar panels and heat pumps are often mentioned. Logically, they're also quite visible. But something else is at least as important: ensuring that the energy you've already generated doesn't disappear straight away. And that's where insulation comes in. It makes your home more comfortable, helps reduce your energy consumption, and can even increase the value of your home, should you ever decide to sell. Together with Nederlands Isoleert, we're outlining the possibilities for you, so you know where to begin. And yes, you can often also get a subsidy for it.
Why insulating your home is such a logical first step
Insulating your home is one of those measures that you always benefit from. Whether you want to go off gas, get your energy bill down, or just want less draft in your home. In many homes, especially older ones, quite a lot of heat is lost unnoticed. Through the roof, the walls, or the floor. What a waste, because you've already paid for that heat. The good thing is: insulation doesn't have to be perfect all at once. You can also work step by step. Start where you can achieve the most gains, and look further from there. This way, it remains clear and manageable.
Roof insulation: this is often where you make the biggest savings
Heat rises, and therefore also disappears fastest through your roof. This can add up considerably, especially in older homes without good insulation. Sometimes as much as thirty percent of your heat is lost there. It's a real shame. Roof insulation is therefore often the first step when you start insulating your home. If you have a pitched roof, insulation is usually applied on the inside, between the beams. With a flat roof, it's done on the outside. It's an investment, but one that you'll often see reflected relatively quickly on your energy bill.
Cavity wall insulation: quickly arranged, little hassle
If your house has cavity walls, you're in luck. This is one of the easiest ways to insulate your home. The space between the walls is filled with insulation material through small holes in the outer wall. Sounds exciting, but it's usually done in a few hours. You'll often notice the difference straight away. Less draught, a more even temperature in the house and you'll need to use your heating less. A nice detail: you hardly have to do anything yourself. Want to know what's possible in your situation? On the website of Insulate house you'll find an overview of options, including accredited installers and subsidy schemes.
Floor insulation: warm feet, less heating
A cold floor is such a silent energy guzzler. You keep on heating, whilst the cold keeps coming from below. With floor insulation, you tackle that problem at its source. If you have a crawl space, the insulation is applied to the underside of the floor. That is usually the simplest solution. No crawl space? Then it can also be done from above, but that requires a bit more work. Either way, you'll notice it quickly. Your home will feel more comfortable and your heating won't have to work as hard.
Facade insulation: when a cavity wall is not an option
Not every house has a cavity wall. Or the cavity is already filled. In that case, you can consider facade insulation on the inside or outside. External facade insulation often works best, but it is also more involved and expensive. You are essentially giving your house a new coat. Insulating on the inside is an alternative that is often cheaper, but you do lose some space. What is clever depends a bit on your home and your budget.
Glass insulation: don't underestimate it
Windows are often a weak spot. Do you still have single glazing? Then a lot of heat is wasted unnoticed. By choosing HR++ or triple glazing, you can significantly reduce that. The nice thing is that you not only save on energy, but you also experience less disturbance from outside noise. Especially on a busy street, that can make a big difference.
Insulating your home: the smart way to do it
Are you struggling to see the wood for the trees? Start small. First, look at where your home is losing the most heat. That's often your roof, floor, or through the windows (the glass). That's usually where the biggest savings are to be found. Then, request a few quotes and check which subsidies are available. Because yes, they often are. Especially if you combine several measures, this can make a considerable difference in costs. This way, insulating your home becomes not only a sustainable choice but also a very comfortable one for you!
Photo credits: Kindel Media.
