Reducing heat loss in homes is important if you want to maintain a comfortable, cosy living space. When heat escapes a house, it requires more energy to keep the property warm, leading to higher energy bills and added strain on heating systems.
This piece will explore effective measures to reduce heat loss, the benefits that this brings, and how our range of skylights can keep your home warm.
Why is heat loss a problem in a home?
Heat loss is a significant blow to any property owner, as it affects indoor comfort and energy bills. This problem is most pronounced during colder months, when maintaining a warm indoor environment is crucial.
Excessive heat loss contributes to higher carbon emissions, negatively affecting the environment. Addressing this issue not only helps to reduce energy costs but also supports efforts to combat climate change by decreasing a home’s energy consumption.
Top strategies for reducing heat loss
Below, we will explore some of the most effective methods for tackling heat loss, including improving insulation, upgrading windows and doors, draught-proofing and more.
Improve insulation
Insulation helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature by limiting the amount of heat that escapes through the walls, roof, and floors. There are a few different types of insulation you should be aware of:
- Wall insulation: Insulating your walls can reduce heat loss by as much as 30%. Options include cavity wall insulation, solid wall insulation, and insulating plasterboard for interior walls.
- Roof and loft insulation: As heat rises, a poorly insulated roof or loft can be a major source of heat loss. Using materials like mineral wool, spray foam, or rigid foam boards can keep warmth inside.
- Floor insulation: Although often overlooked, insulating the floors can further prevent heat from escaping.
- Window and rooflight insulation: Insulated windows that use quality glazing and coating also prevent heat loss.
How does cavity wall insulation work?
Cavity wall insulation is a popular method for reducing heat loss through external walls. It involves filling the gap between the inner and outer layers of the wall with an insulating material such as mineral wool, polystyrene beads, or foam.
Upgrade windows & doors
Windows and doors can account for a significant amount of heat loss if not insulated properly. Upgrading your doors and windows to double- or triple-glazing, for example, is a stronger and more durable option for reducing heat loss.
Be sure to seal any gaps or cracks around frames and doors to prevent warm air seeping through to the outside.
Thermal curtains and blinds
Thermal curtains and blinds are effective ways to keep heat in the home, as the thermal lining makes all the difference compared to normal blind and curtains. Make sure you close your curtains at night to retain some level of heat in your home.
Insulated roof and loft
The roof is one of the largest areas heat escapes from, so insulating it effectively can have a major impact on reducing heat loss. Insulating your roof can reduce heat loss by up to 25%. Materials such as fibreglass, mineral wool, or rigid foam boards can be used.
Increasing natural light in a room
Having as much natural sunlight enter the room as possible allows for passive solar heating, while closing curtains and windows at night will help trap warmth inside.
Skylights, roof lanterns, and roof windows are all designed to flood your space with natural light.
They’re perfect for your living room, bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen.
Find yours with Toughened Glass Systems today, or get in touch if you’d like any information from a member of our helpful team.
Simple options for preventing heat loss
There are several inexpensive options you can try to prevent heat loss, there are several inexpensive options homeowners can take. Simple measures like placing rugs over floors to add another level of insulation work well.
You can also move furniture so that it doesn’t block radiators and other heat sources. This will allow heat to distribute evenly in the room.
The benefits of reducing heat loss
Here is a list of benefits that come with reducing heat loss:
- Lower energy bills: By minimising heat loss, your home will require less heating, leading to significant savings on energy expenses.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Decreasing the need for heating reduces fossil fuel consumption, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and promoting a more sustainable lifestyle.
- Improved indoor air quality: Better insulation helps maintain stable temperatures and reduces condensation, preventing mould growth and promoting healthier air indoors.
- Noise reduction: Insulation also acts as a sound barrier, reducing outside noise and creating a quieter, more peaceful indoor environment.
- Improved comfort: With less heat loss, rooms stay warmer and more consistently heated, making indoor spaces more comfortable during colder months.
Choose Toughened Glass Systems for reducing heat loss in your home
When it comes to minimising heat loss and improving energy efficiency, Toughened Glass Systems are your trusted partner. Our glazing solutions, including double and triple glazing, are designed to keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling.
By choosing us, you’re investing in durable, energy-efficient products that boost comfortability and help you save on energy bills. Get in touch with us today or explore our range of rooflights and skylights. You can also view our triple-glazed self-cleaning rooflight and our triple-glazed flat rooflight for maximum insulation.
Reducing heat loss FAQs
How often should I check my home for heat loss issues?
It’s a good idea to assess your home for heat loss before winter each year. Regular checks and maintenance of insulation, windows, and doors can help keep your home warm and snug.
Do skylights contribute to heat loss?
Skylights can contribute to heat loss if they are not properly insulated or fitted with energy-efficient glazing. Installing double- or triple-glazed skylights with thermal barriers can help minimise heat loss.
How does ventilation affect heat loss?
While proper ventilation is necessary to avoid condensation and maintain air quality, excessive ventilation can lead to heat loss. Using controlled ventilation systems like trickle vents or heat recovery ventilators can help balance airflow without losing too much heat.