How to insulate an older
home
There is a common misconception that
older homes, especially those built
before 1920, cannot be as thermally
efficient as a new home. The reality
is that they can be but it is a question
of how deep your pockets are and/
or how much effort you are willing to
put in. The date is important as before
then houses were usually built with
solid walls, with no cavity, and houses
worked in a different way.
But there is quite a bit that can be
done, relatively cheaply, that will
have a big impact:
1. Chimneys and fireplaces – the
point of a chimney is to draw air
out of the house. And with it will
go the heat that you have poured
into the house. If the fireplace is
not being used then pop in a flue
blocker. An internet search will
find many, many options, all under
£50.
2. Draught proofing – First invest
in a smoke pen (looks like a pen,
gives off smoke) available from
the likes of Toolstation for around
£30. On a reasonably windy day
walk around your house with your
lit smoke pen and the direction
the smoke travels will take you
to the source of a draught. Then
visit you local DIY shed where you
will find a huge array of draught-
proofing products.
3. Doors – Doors can be draught-
proofed as above and it cannot be
over-emphasised how important
this is. Doors in older homes tend
to not fit terribly well – age can
do that; not just the door to the
frame, but the frame to the wall
as well. And don’t forget the letter
box.
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