Heat-Loss Survey

A_4_Tune

Hi,

My energy usage is considerably higher than it should be although we have a new gas boiler, double glazing, cavity wall and loft insulation etc. and the thermostat is never above 20C.

I need to find where the energy is being lost but thermal cameras cost loads even to hire.

Does anyone have a recommendation of how to find out where best to target the funds for cutting down heat loss? E.g. Are there reasonably priced " heat-loss surveyors" out there or thermal camera loan schemes or ....anything that's not witchcraft
Thanks

matelodave

Not sure you know how much higher it is than it should be.

You seem to have covered most aspects, like loft insulation (ideally should be at least 300mm thick), double glazing and cavity wall insulation. Theres not much more except draught proofing and putting up thicker curtains to keep the heat in. Theres the potential of insulating the floor but it'll probably cost a hell of a lot more than it will save.

What sort of controls have you got on the boiler, a programmable thermostat is much more effective than a basic timeswitch and a bog standard thermostat in the hall. Ideally a wireless programmable one, so you can shift it around to find the best place to locate it.

Reduceing wasted energy like hot water water - reduce the amount of time in the shower and have fewer of them. Dont run hot water down the sink or waste it by running the hot tap to get the water warm just to rinse stuff or even your hands as it leave a gallon or so of hot water sitting in the pipes to get cold.

Are you monitoring your gas and leccy closely by reading the meters frequently to see what effect any energy saving measure are having or just throwing you hands up in horror when the bill comes in.

I cannot see that spending several hundred £££s on someone coming round with an infra-red camera is going to save you much. Sensible efforts on your part will make the difference.

System

I had an EPC carried out on a 5 bed property that I sold earlier this year. The recommended improvements included floor insulation at a cost of £1200 (and the rest for lifting/refitting carpets etc) with a projected saving of £153 over 3 years! There is only so much energy saving that can be done with an older property. Not very helpful - sorry.