ENERGY SAVING FORUM › Forums › INSULATION & THERMAL RETROFITTING › What’s the most effective insulation upgrade for an older home? › Reply To: What’s the most effective insulation upgrade for an older home?
Hi everyone,
We had a different situation because our house is an older solid-wall property, so loft insulation and draught-proofing were only part of the solution. The biggest improvement for us came after installing external wall insulation.
Before the work, the walls would feel cold even when the heating was running, and the temperature dropped quite quickly once the heating was turned off. After the insulation was installed, the house felt much more stable — the rooms stayed warmer for longer and the walls no longer felt cold to the touch.
The main thing I would say is that the quality of installation matters a lot. It’s not just about putting insulation on the walls; the detailing around windows, doors, corners and ventilation needs to be done properly. Poor workmanship can create problems later, especially with moisture.
The process itself was more disruptive than loft insulation, as it changes the outside appearance of the property and involves scaffolding, but for us the improvement in comfort made it worthwhile. The reduction in energy use was noticeable, although the biggest benefit has probably been how much more comfortable the house feels day to day.
If I was doing it again, I would spend more time choosing the installer rather than focusing only on the price. A good survey beforehand and a proper plan for ventilation are essential.
