Ways to Save Energy

As the heating season begins, we are seeking all possible ways to save energy, given the current circumstances. In households, the majority of energy consumption is used for heating. Heat escapes through walls, windows, doors, and roofs. However, significant heat loss can be reduced by properly insulating walls and other critical areas such as foundations, floors, and attics. Installing modern windows and doors can also help mitigate the effects of rising energy costs, making these investments highly beneficial.

Thermal Insulation – The Foundation of Effective Energy Savings

The primary cause of high heating costs is often leaks and building designs that allow heat to escape easily. Thermal insulation is the solution. Walls require additional insulation, typically using a layer of polystyrene, as external insulation is more effective. Proper thermal insulation can generate substantial savings.

Modern, energy-efficient homes not only save energy but also protect the environment. Reduced energy demand means less consumption of solid fuels and gas, leading to fewer emissions being released into the atmosphere.

Insulating the Roof to Save Energy

A poorly insulated roof is another major source of heat loss. Up to 40% of the heat escaping from a building can be lost through the roof. Mineral wool is an excellent solution for this issue. Choosing high-quality mineral wool is a worthwhile investment that pays off in just a few seasons. Mineral wool has impressive properties:

• Hygroscopicity: It does not absorb moisture, maintaining its excellent insulating parameters.
• Vapor permeability: Prevents the growth of microorganisms, fungi, and mold.
• Acoustic insulation: Effectively dampens noise from outside.

Ask about such mineral wool at ANT BM Limited branches in London and Manchester.

Additionally, insulating an attic with mineral wool is relatively straightforward and can often be done without hiring professionals. Particularly for unused attics, the work can easily be completed independently.

Floor Insulation for Lower Bills

Energy savings also involve insulating floors, which is just as important as insulating walls or attics. Properly insulated floors offer everyday comfort—warmer and more pleasant surfaces—and reduced heating bills over time. Floor insulation is beneficial for both new and older buildings.

A well-executed floor insulation process includes multiple layers:

1. A sublayer (a mix of gravel and sand).
2. A concrete screed (light, base-level concrete).
3. Thermal insulation (a thick polyethylene sheet, followed by polystyrene or extruded polystyrene).
4. Another layer of polyethylene and a screed base before laying the final flooring.

Floor insulation on ground-level buildings is relatively simple, but it requires following specific steps to achieve a satisfactory outcome.

Insulating Foundations

Properly insulating foundations is crucial for a building’s functionality. Thermal insulation prevents heat from escaping into the ground. Before starting foundation insulation work, ensure careful waterproofing, both horizontally and vertically, to protect against moisture, which could compromise the insulation’s effectiveness.

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is commonly used for foundation insulation. However, it is not suitable in areas with high groundwater levels. In such cases, extruded polystyrene (XPS), also known as styrodur, is a better option despite being more expensive. It is highly resistant to moisture and maintains its properties even with prolonged water contact.

Insulating materials are mounted to the foundations with polyurethane adhesive, which provides a stable bond within minutes. The insulated foundation walls should also be covered with a dimpled membrane (or thick construction foil) and backfilled with soil.

Modern Windows and Doors

Old, leaky windows and exterior doors contribute significantly to energy loss. Replacing them with energy-efficient models and ensuring proper installation is an effective solution. For example:

• Triple-pane windows provide excellent thermal and acoustic insulation. Their low heat transfer coefficient reduces energy consumption during the heating season.
• Light transmittance coefficient should be 70% for energy-efficient homes, while the total solar energy transmittance coefficient should be 50-60%.

Investing in high-quality entrance doors with an insulating layer (commonly polyurethane foam or polystyrene) is another step toward minimizing heat loss. Properly sealing the threshold is also critical to prevent water accumulation at the bottom of the door frame.

High-quality doors typically have a thermal transfer coefficient below 1.7 W/(m²K), while passive house models boast coefficients as low as 0.71-0.73 W/(m²K). These parameters should be certified.

If replacing windows and doors is too costly, consider installing new seals. Aging seals often significantly reduce thermal performance. Many seal options are available, including rubber and foam varieties.

Conclusion

The above methods of energy savings significantly reduce a building’s heat energy requirements. Combined with responsible purchasing and use of household appliances and lighting, they can substantially lower monthly bills.