Home insulation surveys?

GaryBC

I'd like to get my house surveyed for energy loss.
It's c60 years old so probably leaks heat all over the place. I'd like to identify where the leaks are and the options available to me for reducing (or, ideally, eliminating) them. I'd like also to find out what are the comparable costs associated with each intervention and what each could save me. I'd like also to find out what grants and assistance programmes could be available.
I'd like if possible to get the survey and report for free! But that's probably one wish too far. 

Any pointers anyone? 
Ta lots. 
Gary 

jimjames

Maybe book an EPC? Depending on size of property you should be able to get one from £50 upwards

GaryBC

I'm afraid I don't know what an EPC is but I'll Google it! 
Thanks. 

GaryBC

Googled it, download a sample EPC report. 
It looks like that could be exactly what I'm looking for! 
Thanks you. 

Alnat1

The usual EPCs, around £50, that have to be done when you're selling your house are pretty much a waste of time and money. People get them done because they have to.

Someone will turn up, ask you if the house has cavity walls and if they are insulated. They will guess if there's any floor insulation. They may look in the loft/attic at insulation or they might ask how much you have. They will look if all windows are double glazed and ask you if all bulbs are LEDs. That's about it. Then they write a short report, come up with a number that represents how energy efficient your house is and make suggestions how to improve it.

Basically, they will tell you nothing that you don't already know. 

There are other companies that offer the kind of survey I think you're wanting, turning up with thermal imaging cameras etc. but they are going to cost quite a bit more.

GaryBC

When I googled it saw the prices I was initially quite impressed. But when I really thought about it, I did rather wonder how much of an expert professional's time that buys! Ten minutes?
I was going to ask if they are subsidised in any way. 

FreeBear

Some councils and Octopus will loan you a thermal imaging camera so that you can identify where the heat is leaking out. If you don't want to borrow (or hire) one, there are companies out there that can do a thermal survey for a fee - Don't know how much it would cost.... Just avoid the ones that want to sell you expensive insulation, and definitely avoid the spray foam stuff in your loft. Quite a few surveyors are giving properties a zero valuation for buyers looking at houses with spray foam in the roof space, and for good reason. It traps moisture in the roof timbers where they quietly rot away unseen.

GaryBC

I suspect that the identification of the sources of heat loss is probably not the hardest part. It's a 60's built bungalow which, apart from the new windows and loft lagging we installed, is probably still trying to heat the whole street! 
The bits I think I need professional input on is around the insulation options available to me, and their respective costs/benefits.
To use 70's managementspeak I want to 'shoot where the ducks are thickest'. 

Alnat1

You can check pretty simply for draughts yourself on a cold evening. Go along all skirting boards, window frames, door frames/locks etc with your hands/a candle and find the spots that need attention. Then you block up any gaps you can, fit door curtains, use draught excluders. 

Do you have a chimney? I have one with a fake coal type gas fire that's never used, and I've shoved a cushion up. I've bought thermal curtain linings for the living/dining rooms, these seem to make a big difference too. Make sure curtains don't cover radiators, sit the curtains on the windowsill when closed if the radiator is underneath.

There's lots you can do yourself without calling in expensive experts but if it's your walls that need insulation, you probably need the pro's.

GaryBC

We've done all the easy stuff thanks. 

FreeBear

Alnat1 said: You can check pretty simply for draughts yourself on a cold evening. Go along all skirting boards, window frames, door frames/locks etc with your hands/a candle and find the spots that need attention.

Use something like an incense stick. With a candle, you risk dripping wax everywhere and possibly setting fire to soft furnishings.