When is the best time to insulate your home?
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Good insulation is imperative in any property. Not only can it make your home more efficient, it will keep it warmer in winter and cooler in summer while also reducing your energy bill. It’s something we’ve been meaning to improve on our house for some time, particularly the loft insulation, but also thinking about installing cavity wall insulation.
So when should you insulate your home? The best time to insulate is during the warmer months of the year, from late spring to summer. This way you can get your home ready for winter whiile also taking advantage of the good weather to install it in.
Need some ideas on what kind of insulation you might need or how to make your home more energy efficient? Read on to find out more information and start saving money now!
How to make your home more efficient with insulation
Insulating your home is the cheapest way to make your home energy efficient. Ways you can do this include stopping air leaks, upgrading your HVAC system and replacing old insulation.
Seal any air leaks
Air leaks are where air can escape around windows, doors, attics and basements, and can have a huge impact on your home’s efficiency. You need to find these holes and seal them so you can maintain a steady temperature inside.
Small things like weatherstripping and caulking can make a big difference. This is a job we’ve done recently on a couple of our windows, particularly as they would whistle when the wind blew! Gradually, we’re trying to get all the windows done to stop hot air from going straight out the window.
You should check got air leaks regularly, as they can cause draughts and high utility bills and if you’re unsure whether your windows and doors are leaking air, you can look into getting an energy audit done. This will show you exactly where your home is losing energy and give you specific solutions to fix the problems.
Improve your boiler system
Did you know good insulation can help your boiler to perform better? When it doesn’t need to work quite as hard, it may have a longer lifespan but also work a little more efficiently. The better you look after your HVAC system or boiler*, the better condition it will stay in. You can clean or replace filters and check ducts for leaks to maintain system integrity, and you should ensure that you have a boiler service every year.
If your heating system is old, you might want to look into more energy-efficient boiler models*. Ask professionals to check upgrades that will work with your home’s insulation specifications to save you energy and money.
Upgrade your existing insulation
Old homes usually lack adequate insulation and can lose a lot of heat quite quickly, so upgrading the existing insulation will be one of the best ways to reduce your home’s energy consumption. Modern material is more effective in retaining heat in winter and insulating in summer.
Start by checking your attic, walls and floors for insulation. If it’s not enough, use improved alternatives like spray foam or cellulose. These can give better energy performance.
You can apply for financial assistance to install insulation, s check if you qualify for loft insulation grants from Effective Home. This can help a lot in reducing the upfront cost and maximise energy efficiency. Having your insulation checked professionally on a regular basis will make it last and give you value for money.
How to assess your insulation needs
When you understand your home’s existing insulation situation, you can best evaluate where improvements need to be made and whether these can be completed by you or by a contractor. There are many areas of efficiency where proper assessment can save the day.
With an energy audit
An energy audit measures your home’s energy efficiency and will show you where to reduce it. Knowing where you lose energy will help you know when to replace insulation.
A typical audit involves air leaks, insulation inspection and boiler assessment. The energy audit will help you save costs and improve your home comfort. Plus professional audits will give you detailed reports and recommendations. Many utility companies offer audits or rebates so you can get started.
With an assessment
It’s all about comfort and cost, but whether you go professional or DIY depends on your level of comfort. A professional assessment will give you a full review with the best tools and knowledge to make sure nothing goes wrong.
DIY tests are cheap and simple for those who want to do it themselves. Start by checking for drafts near windows and doors, attics and crawl spaces and reading online DIY energy audit manuals. DIY approaches are helpful but might not cover everything as thorough as a professional.
When should you insulate your home?
So when is the best time to insulate? Below are some things to consider.
Seasonal considerations
Consider the time of year when it comes to installing new insulation. Generally, contractors may be more available in the winter months, when fewer people are undergoing home renovations in the cold/bad weather. This might also mean you can get a better price.
Weather impact
Weather has a big impact on insulation performance and installation conditions. Dry insulation prevents problems with humidity or rain which affects some types of insulation. For example, some spray foams won’t harden when wet and will affect performance.
Check the local weather forecast before you plan your insulation project and you can plan accordingly. Knowing when dry weather is expected will make the process more efficient and installation smoother.
When to install which insulation?
The right insulation and the right time to install it will make a big impact on your energy efficiency and comfort. Insulation varies depending on the material and its nature so it should be installed at different times.
Fibreglass insulation
Fibreglass is the most common type for residential applications. Installation is best done in spring or early summer. It’s a time when the temperature is relatively warm making it more convenient and comfortable to do in attics and crawl spaces. Doing this early in summer will keep your house cool during warmer temperatures and ease the load on air conditioning.
If you install it in spring, you can see how much insulation you need after the cold months, maybe even take advantage of seasonal sales or contractor stock.
Spray foam insulation
Spray foam insulation provides superior airtightness and works best when you’re in a warm, dry environment. It’s best to install late spring to early autumn because the foam adheres better when moisture doesn’t interfere. Wet or cold temperatures will cause the foam to expand and not work properly.
If you live in a milder climate, late autumn can work too. It’s quick to install but you need to keep your home air-conditioned during and after use for fumes.
Rigid foam boards
Rigid foam boards are easy to use and can be used year round but you’re probably best to install them in autumn. This time of year insulates your home before the cold months arrive and keeps you warm in winter. Plus autumn’s cooler temperatures is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use since boards can be applied to walls, roofs and foundations.
Installing them in autumn gives you the best thermal efficiency and the peace of mind that your home is warm enough to enjoy during cold weather. Remember to weatherproof them properly or poor installation will make it prone to moisture problems.
In short, knowing when to insulate your home is a smart move that can improve energy efficiency, comfort and lower your home’s cost all year round. Late spring to summer is the ideal time for optimal insulation conditions – either fibreglass, spray foam or rigid foam boards, each has its own window of time.
Insulation saves your boiler from stressing, keeps your home comfortable year round and can help you save some energy. By stopping air leaks, upgrading old insulation and installing when the weather is good, you could maximise your energy savings and live in a comfortable and efficient home all year round.
