Thermal insulation: Learn about the best materials for an efficient home

Thermal insulation plays a key role in maintaining room temperature, while also helping to reduce energy consumption. 

With so many options available on the market, choosing the best thermal insulation materials can be a challenging task.

We all aspire to have a comfortable, welcoming environment within the home. And if we can combine comfort with cost savings, better yet! To do so, we must understand our home's features, and the steps to make it more comfortable and efficient.

What is energy efficiency?

Energy efficiency is using energy more efficiently, maximizing the desired results while minimizing energy consumption. It is an essential concept for reducing energy waste, promoting sustainability and lowering our environmental impact.

When we talk about a home's energy efficiency, this means the intelligent and responsible use of energy for heating water, climate control and other household systems. The goal is to cut energy consumption without compromising the comfort or functionality of a house and its appliances.

A house with high energy efficiency typically has greater thermal comfort, better indoor air quality and more durable systems and components, and guarantees lower energy costs.

Request an Energy Certificate, and learn about your property's energy efficiency!

The importance of proper thermal insulation in your home's energy efficiency

Thermal insulation is essential to ensure your home's comfort and energy efficiency throughout the entire year. Proper insulation maintains a mild temperature in the winter and keeps the heat out in the summer.

The better a home's thermal insulation is, the lower the need for central heating or air conditioning for the climate control of its rooms. In this way, you can save money on your energy bill.

The best materials for an efficient home

There are several types of thermal insulation materials available on the market. Some of the most common options are mineral wool, rock wool, expanded polystyrene and polyurethane.

Each of these materials has advantages and disadvantages. So, which ones should you choose to make your house more efficient?

Choosing the suitable thermal insulation material for your home will always depend on the type of construction, your local climate and your available budget.

For instance, if you live in an area with high humidity, mineral wool insulation may not be the best choice since this type of material absorbs moisture and can lose its insulation capacity. In this case, expanded polystyrene could be a better choice.

Something else to consider when choosing your material is its environmental impact. Since some thermal insulation materials are manufactured out of petroleum-based plastics, looking for more sustainable substitutes could make sense. Thankfully, nowadays, there are options manufactured out of renewable and biodegradable materials, such as spray cork.

Regardless of your chosen insulation material, be sure it is high-quality, fire resistant and capable of insulating your home according to your needs.

Where does it make sense to install thermal insulation?

If possible, thermal insulation should be installed in the walls, ceiling and floor to insulate the entire house. In addition to the type of material, proper installation is critical to ensure the highest possible energy efficiency and avoid thermal bridges (very hot or very cold) and undesired heat loss during the cold season.

We recommend you learn about this through a professional specializing in Energy Certification or another competent technician before changing your house's thermal insulation.

Since work and modifications of this sort can be costly, do not proceed unless you are on the right track.

Professionals in energy certification and other competent technicians can evaluate your home and recommend the best thermal insulation solutions based on your house's needs and possibilities.

Most houses, since they belong to multi-residential buildings and are connected to other units as part of a condominium, ultimately have limitations on improvements to the building envelope (walls, floors and roofs), since these must be done from the inside to the detriment of the floor space of your unit.

Did you know that there are incentives for improving a home's energy efficiency? Neves & Ferrão and its Qualified Appraisers can help you apply for them. Know about programs that are running right now here.

In summary:

• Choose the suitable material according to the needs of your home and surrounding climate;
• Consider the environmental impact of the thermal insulation material you plan to use;
• Learn more from energy certification professionals or other competent technicians;
• Make sure that the materials are installed correctly to avoid errors and waste.

At Neves & Ferrão, we can issue energy certificates and give our customers recommendations on reducing their energy consumption.

We are ready to help with all your questions about your property's Energy Certification!