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Knowing the ins and outs of insulation

See how insulation can minimise heat flow in and out of your home, help make it more energy efficient and reduce your gas and electricity costs.
5 min read
Last updated 15 Aug, 2023

No doubt, you’ve been told the energy efficiency basics before.

Things like remembering to flick off the lights in an empty room, or switching appliances off at the wall are common knowledge. But have you heard about insulation softening the blow on your gas and electricity bills?

Sure, minimising the heat flow in and out of your home may not have you rolling in the aisles. But if it can help reduce your energy usage, it may put a smile on your face - especially when there are four clever improvements you can make to your windows to increase their energy efficiency, so they can start pulling their weight.

Choosing the right energy-efficient insulation

If you’re looking to insulate your home, there are a few things you’re best to know before you get started.

First of all, there are several different types – each one with its own ‘R-value’ – and the type of insulation you choose will depend on your needs and your home.

The ‘R-value’ of insulation is a measure of its material resistance to heat: the more resistance means the more warmth it keeps inside. Or in other words, the higher the R-value, the greater the energy savings – and the lower your energy bills.

So, when you’re shopping for energy-efficient insulation, remember it’s not necessarily the material you use or the thickness that matters. It’s the ‘R-value’ that really counts.

Checking and topping up your ceiling insulation

All in all, hot air rises. And that means, when it comes to insulation, it makes perfect sense to start in the ceiling.

Ceiling insulation can help keep a lid on your heating and cooling bills, leading you to use as much as 20% less energy. And if you’ve ever climbed up into your dusty ceiling space before, you’ll agree that the savings aren’t to be sneezed at.

If you’re topping up your insulation, look for something called ‘bulk insulation’. It generally takes the form of batts or blanket insulation, board insulation or loose-fill insulation and can come in several different materials.

The type you should go with will depend on various factors, like the shape and size of your roof space. Chat with an expert and learn which insulation can help turn your home into a more energy-efficient one.

The inside word on insulation perfection

Now that you know the basics, try and keep these handy tips up your sleeve for whenever you install or update your home’s insulation.

  1. The cleaner your insulation, the more energy efficient it will be. Built-up dirt and dust can especially reduce the effectiveness of reflective types of insulation.
  2. No matter what type of bulk insulation you have – batts, blankets, boards or loose fill – make sure it’s installed and maintained the right way.
  3. Avoid compressing bulk insulation – it can lead to the air pockets in your insulation not working as well as they should.
  4. Not a tradie? Then bring in an expert when it comes installing insulation. Not only is it safer, but they’ll bring the know-how for finding an energy-efficient solution.

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