We have seen in other articles where the heat generated at home usually escapes when winter and the first cold weather arrive. An “obsession” that almost all of us have is preserving the heat of the home to avoid greater energy expenditure. It is not about putting the radiators on all day, but doing it as long as necessary. optimizing the hours they work.
And we, as users, have the ability to turn our house into a better isolated space and do so without having to resort to works and renovations. Little tricks and ways of acting that They allow heat to be trapped between the four walls.
To insulate a house and prevent interior heat from escaping and cold from entering, there are several effective methods you can consider. The choice of methods will depend on your budget, the weather conditions in your area, and the degree of insulation you want to achieve.
One of the aspects that we can monitor is the insulation in walls. Heat can escape through walls of a house in several ways and there is thermal conduction, air leaks, thermal bridges… let’s see how each of them works.
To improve insulation, materials such as fiberglass, cellulose or rigid foam on the wallsbut also use insulating panels to cover the walls.
The roof of the house or apartment is another area through which the heat we have generated in the home can escape. To prevent heat leakage through the roof, it is important to properly install insulation, seal cracks and gaps and consider the quality of the construction materials used.
Here it is about improve insulation without having to do any work and different situations can occur. If you have an attic or second floor loft, you can add more insulation to that area without major work. You can choose to add more layers of insulation on top of the existing insulation or use insulation blankets that can be placed over the attic floor, similar to if you have a pitched roof and crawl space under the roof.
You can too use rigid insulating panels, which can be installed on the ceiling to improve insulation. These panels can be attached directly to the roof surface and provide an increase in thermal resistance.
Another solution is install radiant reflectors in the attic or between the roof structure to reflect heat back into the house. These materials reflect thermal radiation and help maintain a more constant temperature.
We must not forget the sealing all cracks, gaps and air infiltration points in the roof. Use silicone or foam sealants to plug air leaks in areas such as roof windows, joints, and entry points for electrical cables and pipes.
Another solution is take advantage of plant covers which we have already talked about using green roofs or plant covers that offer additional insulation and even, if the roof allows, consider installing reflective shingles or roofing materials that reduce heat absorption.
The most effective way to insulate the floor is place insulation directly under the floor. This can be done during the construction of the house or as part of a renovation. Common insulation materials for this application include extruded polystyrene foam (XPS), polyurethane, rock wool, or natural fibers. This insulation is placed between the floor joists and under the subfloor. You can also use rigid insulated panels, such as extruded polystyrene foam panels, which are installed on the floor before adding the floor covering… but here it is about avoiding works.
Rugs
To achieve this you can use rugs, carpets and rugs on hard surface floors to provide an additional layer of insulation. These materials help keep heat inside the house. And as in previous cases, be sure to seal any cracks or holes in the floor that could allow cold air to infiltrate.
One of the formulas to prevent heat from escaping is to use efficient double or triple glazed windows with low conductivity and thermal break frames or use well-sealed and insulated entrance doors…but if we don’t want to do work, there are many tricks.
The first thing is look carefully in the windows for cracks, gaps or deteriorated joints. If necessary, apply silicone sealants or caulk to these areas to prevent cold air infiltration.
You can install self-adhesive weather stripping around the window frame to seal the gaps between the frame and the window. You can also use double-sided tape or self-adhesive foam to better seal the windows.
You can also wear insulating films double panel or low-e in the windows. These films significantly improve insulation and reduce heat loss.
AND without forgetting the use of curtains and blinds. Place insulated curtains or blinds on the windows. These window treatments provide an additional layer of insulation and help keep interior temperatures more consistent. Alternatively, consider using thermal curtains (we’ve already talked about them), which are specifically designed to improve window insulation. They are made of insulating materials and can be very effective in reducing heat loss.
For the doors, at the entrance to the apartment, if you have an old door that is not efficient in terms of insulation, consider replacing it with a new one. high quality new door with insulation core and glass with low emissivity coating… but let’s see without doing any work.
Weatherstrip
Can Install weather stripping on doors to prevent drafts. You can also use door curtains. They are heavy curtains that are hung on the inside or outside of the door to provide additional insulation. They are especially useful on sliding glass doors.
Can install rigid insulating panels on the inside of the door to provide additional insulation. These panels can be removable to allow natural light in during the day.
And something that can help is Perform regular door maintenance including adjusting hinges and make sure the locks work properly. Doors in good condition will seal more effectively.
Photo by Jason Villanueva
Insulating the heating and cooling ducts in your home is important to prevent heat or cold loss and increase the efficiency of your HVAC system. And the first thing is regularly inspect and maintain duct insulation to ensure it remains effective and undamaged.
That said, to achieve good insulation you can seal duct connections with metal tape or caulk. You can also use duct insulation materials, such as fiberglass blankets, rigid foam, or tube insulation specifically designed for ducts.
Insulate hot water pipes It serves to prevent heat loss during the transport of water hot. This is an effective measure to reduce heat loss, which will allow you to save energy and maintain a constant temperature in your heating system.
For insulate pipes, as long as they are visible, you can use preformed insulation tubes, which are specifically designed to insulate pipes, or flexible fiberglass or polyethylene foam insulation blankets. Wrap the insulation material around the pipes, making sure to cover the entire length to prevent heat loss.
Photo by Curtis Adams
And since ventilation must not be neglected, you can consider installing mechanical ventilation systems with heat recovery to maintain indoor air quality without losing heat.
A mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery, also known as a heat recovery ventilation system or double flow ventilation system, is a ventilation system designed to provide controlled and efficient air circulation in a floor or building while minimizing heat or cold loss.
Remember that proper insulation and energy efficiency They can save you money in the long run and improve the comfort of your home.. It is also advisable to consult an energy or construction professional to determine the best specific solutions for your home and the area in which you live.
Cover photo | Jose Sousa
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