Insulate for economy and comfort

Press, 13 April 1978, Page 11

Insulate for economy and comfort

As with all methods of central heating, insulation is essential. Electric heaters used in the home operate at 100 per cent efficiency but some of the heat generated can be wasted if it is allowed to escape into the surrounding atmosphere. In a home with no insulation 30-40 per cent of the heat is lost no matter what type of heating is installed. The modern home contains many manufacturered sheets materials which are comparatively

thin. In the new house insulation can. be applied everywhere without difficulty. Reflective insulation, heavy paper with either one or both sides, coated with aluminium foil, can be placed behind wall linings and under floors. The ceiling can be filled with insulation. In an existing house it is only practical to insulate the ceiling with one of the fibre type insulations which can achieve fuel savings and

will indeed improve comfort. A carpet is the most effective insulating medium for the floor. Glass is a better heat conductor than wood and is so much thinner that a considerable amount of heat can escape through the windows. The modern home has vast amounts of glass so this must be prevented. In cold countries windows are double glazed but this is unusual in New Zealand. Windows should have

substantial drapes of reasonably heavy material lined with a backing. Drapes should project about 6in on either side of the window and be long enough to make contact with the inside sill of the window ledge when drawn. This makes a cavity of dead air between the glass and the drapes which uses the insulating value of the air as well as the thermal insulation of the drapes themselves. One change of air per hour will give good venti-

lation but too many houses have draughts : created by badly fitting doors and windows, loose flooring, unsuspected gaps I in the outside sheathing and the interior lining. »uch draughts are uncomfortable, unhealthy and should be stopped. They can often be found by tracing round edges of doors, windows and floors I with a lighted candle, the ' flickering of the flame showing where they are occuring. Fire places pro- i duce very bad draughts , and should be sealed off.