Winter in Australia is officially here. Proper insulation of your home becomes highly essential in keeping the atmosphere warm and energy-efficient. Good insulation blocks the cold away, letting the heat inside your home; it also prevents your bills from going high. Here are some of the necessary tips for insulating your home towards the winter season.
Check On Your Insulation Situation
Step one will be to evaluate your current insulation. Inspect the attic, walls, floors and crawl space. For holes, thinness, settled or deteriorated insulation. If your home feels drafty or some rooms are always cold, you likely need more insulation.
Upgrade Attic Insulation
One of the most vital and significant areas to insulate is the attic, where heat rises and easily passes through the roof. Adding new insulation or upgrading the existing one in the attic will tremendously change the warmth of the attic. You may either have a fibreglass batt insulation, blown-in cellulose, or spray foam insulation. The insulation should cover the entire attic floor, including the areas around vents, ducts, and other openings, though you should be highly careful not to block the openings for ventilation.
Insulate Walls and Floors
Wall insulation will ensure the temperature inside is maintained. If there is no insulation on the walls, then it should be installed. If these are aftermarket walls, then blown-in insulation will do the trick. For the floors, those that sit atop heated areas such as the basement or garage should be installed with insulation to ensure that the heating does not escape. Rigid foam boards and fibreglass batt work well in these areas.
Seal Windows and Doors
Drafts around windows and doors are prime sources of heat loss. Inspect all windows and doors for gaps and cracks. Apply weatherstripping around movable elements and caulk to seal stationary pieces. Window film can be applied as an add-on. A more permanent solution is replacing windows with energy-efficient double- or triple-pane models.
Insulate the Basement and Crawl Space
Basements and crawl spaces are common sources of extreme heat loss. In the basement, insulate the walls and the floors to create a thermal barrier. For crawl spaces, it is best to have insulation installed in perimeter walls and also to lay a moisture barrier on the ground. This will keep cold air from penetrating the house and also keep the upper floors warm.
Insulating Curtains and Blinds
Window treatments on windows that are north-facing, especially in the coldest climates in Rocky Mountain Power’s region, can provide additional insulation. Heavy thermal-lined curtains or cellular blinds installed properly can keep cold out and heat in. Close these treatments at night and open them during the daylight hours. Let the natural sunlight heat your home.
Insulate Ductwork and Pipes
Uninsulated ducts and pipes make the heating system work harder since it loses much in heat. Thus insulate exposed ductwork in unheated areas with duct insulation. Likewise, make good use of foam pipe insulation to wrap the pipes, especially at a vulnerable point where heat loss can occur and exposure to freezing.
Programmable Thermostat Installation
A programmable thermostat can help this system work efficiently. Small actions such as setting it at lower temperatures while away or asleep and higher while home and awake can help make a cut in the energy that is not Beyoncé and still have your house comfortable.
Consider Professional Help
While many insulation projects can be do-it-yourself, some may involve hiring a professional to get the job done. Some of those jobs could include blown-in wall insulation of spray foam-be sure to look into hiring a professional to do this work in your home.
Annual Maintenance and Inspections
Once your home is insulated, make a routine to check for its maintenance. Check if any of the insulation has been displaced or damaged. This should especially be done when extreme weather condition arrives. Look for drafts anytime soon, and seal them immediately.
In winter, proper insulation of your home will mean warmth and energy efficiency. Pretty good reasons to follow these tips that will help you reduce heat loss, save on energy consumption, and create comfortable living conditions in your home. Invest time and resources in insulation; it will pay for itself, bring more sustainability and a line of being eco-friendly to your home.