Old seals on windows, doors that don’t fit, or insufficient insulation of the roof will fully manifest themselves during the heating season and especially during periods of severe frosts in homes, leading to higher heating bills. However, according to the expert, by eliminating errors, considerable funds can be saved on costs. Lukáš Kmenta from Huntsman Building Solutions for the Czech Republic and Slovakia informed.
“The biggest heat losses occur in the upper part of the house. Good roof insulation can reduce energy consumption in winter by tens of percent,” warned Kment. He added that regardless of whether the attic is occupied or not, the heat rises up and if the roof or stairs to the attic are not sufficiently thermally insulated, heat escapes from the house through the entire roof area.
Among the most effective methods of insulation are modern solutions that fill every detail of the structure and do not change shape over time. Kmenta stated that sprayed PUR foam can also be used, which can be applied quickly, does not deform over time, and is also breathable, so mold does not form under it. Insulation of the perimeter walls and the ground floor also brings savings.
At the same time, sealing the windows is the fastest way to gain a few extra degrees without increasing the heating output. The expert recommended a home test: walk with a lit candle around window frames and front doors. If the flame flickers, the gasket needs to be repaired or replaced.
The way it is heated also has an impact on the total energy consumption for heat. Each increase in the heating temperature by one degree means, according to the expert, an approximately six percent increase in consumption. It is therefore ideal to set the heating system to maintain 17 to 18 degrees indoors during the day and raise the temperature to 21 degrees an hour before the family returns home. Kmenta did not recommend turning off the heating either during short or long absences, for example during winter vacation.
Winter ventilation is a separate chapter. A short and intense draft is ideal, which replaces the dry, exhaled and heated air with a more humid one. Higher air humidity increases the perceived temperature, although in reality the temperature is lower, which is good news for the radiators and the wallet.
