Welcome to Capital Credit Union’s new series, Thinking of Going Green!
Over the next few weeks, we will look at all the things you should consider as part of your home renovation to save your pocket and the planet! This week we are focusing on insulation, and what you should consider.
Walls
For any home improvement, the first area you should consider upgrading are your walls. Poorly insulated walls can cause up to 35% of heat being lost, so it is vital that your walls are
well insulated. There are multiple options for insulation, such as cavity, external and internal wall insulation. Be sure to discuss with your contractor what is best for you.
Attic
Attic insulation is often forgotten or overlooked when it comes to insulating your home. This is a big mistake as up to 30% of the heat in your home can be lost through the attic. This is because heat rises and will simply escape through a poorly insulated roof. By insulating your attic, you can keep the heat below the ceiling and your rooms warmer.
Floor
10% of your home’s heat can be lost through poorly insulated floors. However, it may not be possible to upgrade the insulation in the floors of all homes. This will depend on your floor, whether it is a solid ground floor or suspended. This is something to discuss with your contractor as there may be alternatives, such as insulation on top of the existing construction or fit insulation underneath the concrete or timber structure.
Grants Available
SEAI have a range of grants available for people who are insulating their walls for homes built prior to 2006. Grants can range from €400 for a cavity wall insulation to €2,400 for external wall insulation. Be sure to check out SEAI’s guide to Wall Insulation.
If you are planning a major home improvement and want a great value loan, Capital Credit Union is here to help with a variety of Green Loans. With our fully online process and our quick decisions on loans, we can make the finance part as seamless as possible. See our Loan Calculator here for more information
