Improve insulation in a converted victorian flat

mr_rush

I've recently bought a lovely 2bed 1st floor flat. The victorian building was built in 1890 and the conversion done in 1980. I'm looking for tips on how to conserve energy, lower my utility bills and do my bit for the environment.

The flat has lovely big sash windows. Lots of light but lots of heat leakage. They are single glazed. At the moment I do not have the capital to get them replaced. Any idea how to reduce heat leakage between the window and the frame?

There's a big fireplace in my bedroom. I'm not sure if the chimney works but I'm not going to be using it. How can I block it up to prevent heat loss? And dust/dirt falling out?

The main flat door also leaks a lot of heat. How to prevent drafts?

Advice appreciated
thanks

olly300

Windows- if they are the original slash ones DO NOT remove them even if you have the money instead get secondary glazing. Original slash windows are very expensive to replace.

At the moment invest in some thick lined curtains and draw them just before it goes dark, put draught proofing strips (DIY shops sell them) in large gaps and if possible use that plastic film you can get over the window.

Chimney - ideally you want it capped off as you are not suppose to have an open fire in the bedroom any more. As a temporary measure you can put something up the chimmney but be aware that this could lead to condensation problems.

Main flat door- draught strips around the door and insulate the letter box.

More information here about different strips available:
http://www.diynot.com/pages/in/in005.php

cattie

A good stop gap I used for sash windows in the winter months in the Victorian flat I used to own was either newspaper or cottonwool stuffed into the gaps to keep out the draughts.

As olly mentions, good heavy lined curtains will also help keep the warmth in & the cold out.

It's possible to buy some kind of balloon affair that you can inflate to keep draughts from chimeys getting into the room. I'm sure a shop that sells fireplaces could point you in the right direction.

EdInvestor

Keeping out draughts definitely makes a big difference. Make sure you get "thermal" linings in the curtains - these keep out both the cold and excessive heat in the summer.Some people use a curtain to cover the front door as well.

If the CH seems inadequate and you have single radiators, it may be worth considering replacing them with double ones - but that's a more expensive job probably best done when the workmen are not busy in the summer.

mr_rush

thanks for your suggestions. Was wondering if you could direct me to some of these thermal/insulation curtains. I'm searching the Habitat and Ikea websites and there's no mention of them

EdInvestor

Try your local curtain shop who will make them to order for you.You can also get blackout thermal linings which don't let in any cold or light, helpful if you have trouble sleeping.