Underfloor Insulation for Enhanced Energy Efficiency

Underfloor insulation plays a crucial role in reducing heat loss and improving energy efficiency in homes. Here’s what you need to know about installing underfloor insulation and the benefits it offers:

Importance of Underfloor Insulation

• Heat Loss Reduction: Homes can lose up to 15% of their heat without proper underfloor insulation, particularly in rooms above unheated spaces or on the ground floor.
• Energy Savings: Installing underfloor insulation can potentially save up to £65 annually on heating costs and reduce carbon dioxide emissions, according to the Energy Saving Trust.

Installation Considerations

• Pre-installation Checks: Before installing underfloor insulation, ensure:
  • Thorough planning and understanding of materials are in place.
  • Proper measurements are taken to avoid issues with floor height adjustments.
  • Potential adjustments to door heights, skirting boards, window sills, sockets, and electrical wiring are considered.

Types of Floors

• Suspended Floors: Older homes typically have suspended floor systems where insulation can be installed between joists in the crawl space.
  • Use insulation boards or blankets, aiming for at least 150mm of blanket insulation or 100mm of rigid foam.
  • Semi-rigid insulation can be friction-fitted with battens to the joist’s bottom for support.

Ventilation and Air Conditioning

• Airflow Considerations: Ensure underfloor insulation does not obstruct ventilation systems in the crawl space, which can lead to issues like carbon monoxide buildup or floor decay.
• Sealing Drafts: Caulk or seal any gaps between floorboards and skirting boards to prevent cold drafts from entering the home.

Modern Homes

• Concrete Flooring: Many contemporary homes already have insulation beneath concrete floors, leveraging the material’s ability to absorb and retain heat effectively.

ECO4 Programme Support

• Government Support: ECO4, supported by major energy suppliers like British Gas, EDF Energy, E.ON, Scottish Power, and Octopus Energy, provides funding and incentives under the Energy Company Obligation scheme.
• Financial Assistance: Explore eligibility and funding options for underfloor insulation on the Ofgem website dedicated to the ECO programme.

Enhance your home’s energy efficiency and comfort by considering underfloor insulation. Take advantage of available grants and support to reduce heating costs and carbon footprint effectively.