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Insulation
and the Energy Performance Rating?
Constructional
insulation will have an effect on heat loss through the upper
ceiling. Simply: The more loft insulation you have in your loft
space (usually in the joists) the better your energy rating will be.
As well as preventing heat loss in the winter months, the insulation
also helps keep the home cooler in the summer by trapping hot air in
the roof space. Installation of insulation can accomplished on a DIY
basis or you can contact a local or National Loft Insulation
installer for your area.
Loft
Insulation An EPC
provides a rating for your home in its present condition and also a
rating for its potential if certain energy saving improvements are
undertaken. There are several improvements that can be made to any
home, particularly for older UK housing stock. Even new build houses
can be improved to reduce energy consumption, reduce heat losses
around the house, and, consequently reduce the environmental carbon
footprint by reducing carbon emissions. There are different types of
insulation available for your loft these include:
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Ensure there is a minimum
thickness of 250mm to minimise heat loss through the upper ceiling
of your home. The SAP guidelines for maximum energy efficiency for
home loft insulation has recently changed, it is now recommended
that a minimum insulation thickness of 270mm will ensure that a
maximum SAP points gain is achieved if your home matches this
criteria. Grants are available to both homeowners and Landlords who
are considering an insulation "top up" which is available
through your current energy supplier or local council. Alternatively
loft insulation material is available, usually by your local DIY
store at a cheap price. |
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Older homes tend
to have less loft insulation installed, or even in this case
there is no insulation fitted between the ceiling joists as
can be seen in this picture. A case such as this will have a
detrimental effect on the energy rating achieved. In addition,
a greater heat loss through the roof will occur, and
increasing the cost of heating the property. |
Modern
homes usually have greater levels of insulation, as building
standards have improved setting minimum standards for home
insulation, including the loft space.
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In this case this
home has 300mm of Loft Insulation installed, achieving the
highest "SAP" rating for energy efficiency as part
of the overall rating provided in the EPC
(Energy
Performance Certificate). Consider other methods to
improving energy efficiency of your home, company or Business
by viewing Energy
Saving Advice. In addition, Grants are available for
Landlords and Homeowners subject to terms and conditions . |
Some
improvement measures that are recommended are covered in more
detail, these can help reduce home energy consumption and form part of the
official domestic energy assessor recommendations as part of their
report to the home seller.
Find
more information, ideas and guidance on other home energy improvements. See
Energy
Saving Tips
These
include:
Looking
for Energy Advice for your Home? A Domestic Energy Assessor can
provide free advice about insulating your home, including your
loft space, as well as providing an energy certificate.
Find an assessor in your local area:
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