Many people focus on simply buying efficient stoves or smart air conditioning systems, or installing smart thermostats, and believe that this is enough to save energy. But most forget something cheap and fundamental that can make a big difference: thermal insulation.
Thanks to this isolation, it will be possible keep your home both cooler in summer and warmer in winter, so your climate control equipment will have to work less, saving a good amount of electrical energy, thanks to its double benefit: isolate from the outside and prevent leaks to the outside.
Best thermal insulation for home
Thermal insulation is a long-term investment that can significantly improve energy efficiency. Selecting the right products to insulate your home will depend on several factors, such as the climate or the characteristics of the home. Below we show you some of the best recommended products:
Heat shields for radiators
Among the most recommended products, we have the heat shields to be placed behind radiators. These devices reflect the heat that would normally be lost through the wall, increasing the efficiency of the heating system.
Additionally, you can install heat shields where there are heat sources near cooling systems, to optimise the performance both.
Here are some examples of thermal shields to improve insulation:
Thermal insulation for walls and floors
If you want to improve the entire insulation system of the house, you can choose to install special insulators in walls and floorsThese are usually made of materials such as rock wool, polystyrene or cork. These materials can be installed in panels, blown or sprayed, depending on the needs of your home.
Insulating curtains
A quick and economical solution is the insulating curtainsThese curtains not only block light, they also insulate from cold or heat, considerably reducing temperature losses that can occur through windows and doors.
Insulation for doors and windows
One of the weakest points in most homes are the windows and doors, as many leaks can occur through their gaps. Using specific products to insulate the gaps in these areas can be very effective.
Considerations for choosing the best thermal insulation
Choosing the best insulation for your home is not always easy. There are various options, each suitable for different contexts and needs. To make the right choice, it is necessary to consider several key factors:
- Climate: If you live in an area with cold winters and hot summers, you will need thicker, more efficient insulation. For example, for temperate climates, materials with lower insulating capacity are recommended.
- Characteristics of the property: Older homes often have thick walls that provide greater natural insulation. However, in more modern homes, walls and floors may need additional reinforcement.
- Budget: Some insulation options are more economical, such as expanded polystyrene (EPS), while others, such as natural cork, can be more expensive. Setting a maximum budget before you start is key.
- Energy efficiency: When selecting the insulation material, it is important that it has a good energy efficiency coefficient. Some recommended materials are:
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- Mineral wool: It offers both thermal and acoustic insulation. In addition, it is non-combustible and resistant to humidity.
- Expanded polystyrene (EPS): Although it is cheaper, it has lower efficiency and fire resistance compared to other materials such as extruded polystyrene or mineral wool.
- cellulose insulation: It is an ecological and natural option, made from recycled paper that regulates humidity and provides good acoustic insulation.
- Cork:Although expensive, cork is an excellent natural insulator, with low thermal conductivity and high durability, ideal for insulating floors and ceilings.
- Insulation thickness: Not only the type of material is important, but also its thickness. In more extreme climates, a minimum thickness of 5 cm is recommended to ensure good thermal insulation.
- Installation systems: Depending on the characteristics of your home, you can opt for different systems, such as sprayed insulation for ceilings or large surfaces, and blown-in insulation for walls with air chambers.
Regulations and aids for thermal insulation
In Spain, Technical building Code sets out basic criteria on the materials and thickness of insulation in new or renovated homes, with the aim of improving energy efficiency. In addition, there are various grants and subsidies for those who wish to improve the insulation of their home.
These grants usually cover between a 40% and an 80% of the cost of the reform, but the energy savings must be justified with an energy efficiency certificate before and after the reform.
In addition, many autonomous communities offer specific programs to replace fossil fuel-based heating systems with renewable alternatives, which can mean a further improvement in the energy efficiency of the home.
A comprehensive renovation that includes insulation in walls, floors and windows can save up to 70% of energy consumption in poorly insulated homes.
Thermal insulation is one of the best investments to improve both the comfort and energy efficiency of the home. By reducing temperature losses, the need to resort to heating or air conditioning systems is considerably reduced, which leads to economic savings and a smaller carbon footprint.