Floor insulation

Mind the Gap” is a phrase that Londoners are used to hearing. “Fill the gap” is probably not so familiar, but it’s worth thinking about, because it will stop you losing money.

When you feel draughts, it could be the cold air coming in through the gaps around your floor. Although you might not feel it, the warm air that you have paid to heat might then be going out at the same time.

Filling up the gaps around the skirting boards is a simple job that you can complete with silicone sealant from any DIY shop. It depends on the size of the rooms, but doing this will stop you throwing away around £15 in heating costs in the first year.

Not only that, but because you will feel more comfortable in your home without the draughts, you may well find that you don’t turn your heating on as often – saving you even more of your heating bill and carbon dioxide emissions.

Wooden floors can be insulated as well, to stop draughts coming up through the gaps between the floorboards. This is a more taxing DIY job: first lift the floorboards and lay mineral wool insulation, supported by netting, over the joists, before replacing the boards. This should cost around £90. You’ll feel the benefits straight away and it will have paid for itself in about two years.

Carrying out both of these jobs in an average three bedroom semi or similar house can save about half a tonne of CO2 a year.

Further information:

Check out the Energy Saving Trust website for more info on floor insulation