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How to Insulate an Old House for Heat, Savings & Efficiency

Is your charming older home feeling a bit chilly in the winter and stifling in the summer? Draughty windows and a lack of insulation can be a real energy drain, not to mention uncomfortable. But fear not, if you're looking to make some cost-effective home improvements, you're in the right place!

Why Insulate Your Older House?

Think of insulation as a thermal blanket for your house. It traps warmth during the winter and keeps the cool air in during the summer. This translates to several benefits:

Reduced Energy Bills:

Proper insulation means your heating and cooling systems don't have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature, leading to significant savings on your energy bills.

A Cosy and Comfortable Home:

No more draughty corners or uneven temperatures! Insulation creates a more consistent and comfortable living environment throughout the year.

Quieter Home:

Insulation can also act as a sound barrier, reducing noise from outside and between rooms.

Reduced Carbon Footprint:

By using less energy for heating and cooling, chances are you're reducing your CO2 emissions, which is better for the planet.

Types of Insulation for Older Houses

There are various types of insulation suitable for older houses. Here's a breakdown of some common options:
  • Cavity Wall
  • Loft
  • Solid Wall
  • Floor

Cavity Wall Insulation:

This is a great option for homes with a cavity between the inner and outer brick walls. The insulating material is injected into the cavity, effectively creating a thermal barrier.
installing cavity wall insulation

Loft Insulation:

A well-insulated loft can significantly reduce heat loss. Loft insulation materials like loft roll or blown-in insulation are easy to install.
installing loft insulation

Solid Wall Insulation:

For solid walls with no cavity, internal or external wall insulation can be applied. While more disruptive to install, it can be very effective.
installing solid wall insulation

Floor Insulation:

Draughty floors can be a major source of heat loss. Floor insulation can be installed beneath floorboards or from below in suspended floor areas. This is relatively easy to achieve but insulating a solid ground floor can be more tricky and costly.
installing floor insulation
terraced housing in the UK

Important Considerations for Older Homes

While great for energy efficiency, insulating older homes requires some special considerations:

Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent moisture build-up and potential mould growth. Discuss ventilation strategies with a qualified installer.

Listed Buildings: If you live in a listed building, there might be restrictions on insulation options. Seek guidance from a conservation officer before proceeding.

Breathable insulation for old homes: To limit the risk of damp and moisture build-up, the best cavity wall insulation for older houses is mineral wool or Sheep's wool.

Why use Sheep's Wool to insulate an old house?

Thanks to their unique crimped structure, wool fibres interlock to form millions of tiny air pockets. These pockets act like a natural insulator, trapping air and slowing heat transfer. This keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer, making wool a breathable, natural and versatile material for any climate.
young couple checking their laptop

Getting Started with Insulation

Ready to make your home more energy-efficient? Here's how to get started:

Assess Your Needs: A professional energy assessor can help identify areas needing the most attention and recommend suitable insulation types.

Compare Quotes: Get quotes from reputable insulation installers to compare prices and ensure they are certified and insured.

Government Grants: Several government grants and schemes might help offset the cost of insulation.

How else can you boost energy efficiency in an old house? Is insulation alone enough?

Older houses tend to be far less efficient and draughtier than their newer counterparts. Even the most meticulous traditional insulation upgrade, with no visible gaps, might not be enough. Lofts and subfloors often have built-in drafts – a Building Control requirement for ventilation. These drafts, while necessary, can significantly hinder the effectiveness of traditional insulation in older houses.
draught excluder by a window

How to reduce heat loss in an old house

To reduce heat loss, increase energy efficiency, and save on your bills, you'll need to insulate your home beyond the floors, walls and loft. Here is how you can make your house as draught-free as possible:
  • Try replacing seals on doors and windows.  
  • Thermal curtains and blinds, 
  • Block chimneys with a chimney sheep when the fireplace isn't in use or block it permanently with a chimney balloon.  
  • Place draught excluders in strategic spots, such as at the bottom of doors that lead to colder rooms of your house.  
  • Be wary of water and heating behaviours. Try and only heat rooms you need if you're worried about high bills and insulate heated rooms to the best of your ability.

Investing in a Warmer Future

Insulating your older home is an investment that pays off in the long run. You'll enjoy a more comfortable living environment, lower energy bills, and a reduced carbon footprint.

At Your Co-op Energy, we can help you take the next step in cutting your carbon footprint and potentially lowering your energy bills with zero carbon energy.

Explore Your Co-op Energy