Insulating your home: options, costs and benefits for your comfort

Anyone who pays a little attention these days notices it right away: energy bills are rising, the climate is changing and houses of yesteryear are often draft holes. Yet a surprising number of people still live in poorly insulated homes. A shame, because insulation is not only good for your wallet, but also for your living comfort and for the environment. In this article you will read about what insulation options are available, what the average costs are and whether it is worth it.

1. What insulation options are available? And what are the costs?

You can insulate your home in several ways. These are the options:

Cavity wall insulation. In many homes, there is an empty space between the interior and exterior walls, also called a cavity. This space can be filled with insulation material to prevent heat loss. It is done quickly, usually within a day, and you will notice the difference immediately. The average cost is between €15 and €30 per m².

Roof insulation. Heat rises. If your roof is not insulated, heat literally flies out the door. Insulation can be done on the inside, if you have an attic, or on the outside, under the roof tiles. The latter is a little more work. The cost of insulation on the inside averages between €25 and €50 sq. ft.

Floor insulation. A cold floor is really unpleasant. Floor insulation prevents cold and moisture from the crawl space from entering the house. Especially with wooden floors, you quickly notice the difference. The average cost is €30 to €45 m².

Facade insulation. Does your house have no cavity or is the wall already full? Then you can opt for insulation on the outside or on the inside of the facade. On the outside, your house immediately gets a new look. On the inside, you lose some space, but on the outside, nothing changes in appearance. The cost of exterior wall insulation is around €100 to €140 m². Insulation on the inside costs on average between €50 and €80 per m².

Insulating glass. Do you still have single glazing or old double glazing? Then you lose a lot of heat through the windows. HR++ (high efficiency glass) or triple glazing keeps heat in better and sound out better. The average cost for HR++ glass is around €120 per m². For triple glazing, the price starts at around €150 per sq. ft. Keep in mind that with triple glazing, you often need to replace the window frames as well.

The benefits of insulation

A well-insulated house reduces CO2 emissions; which is obviously better for the environment. But what does that actually mean for you? What does insulation give you? These are the benefits that really benefit you:

• Lower energy costs. Insulation keeps heat in better, so your heating system doesn't have to work as hard. That makes a big difference in your gas bill.

• Home comfort. Your home feels warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. In addition, annoying drafts disappear, making the indoor climate much more pleasant.

• Fewer moisture problems. Good insulation prevents moisture problems and mold because the walls and floors cool down less and moisture has less chance to settle.

• Less noise pollution. Insulation not only keeps heat inside, but also dampens noise from outside. This makes for a quieter and more pleasant living environment.

2. (FAQ) Frequently asked questions about home insulation

How do I know if my home is properly insulated? You can tell by cold walls, drafts, high energy costs or large temperature differences between rooms. In doubt? An energy consultant can quickly see where heat is being lost with a thermal camera.

What is the best insulation measure to start with? That depends on your home. Cavity wall insulation is often the quickest and cheapest way to make gains. Is your roof not yet insulated? Then roof insulation often pays the most.

Am I eligible for a subsidy? Yes, if you combine two or more insulation measures, you can recover up to 30% of the costs through the ISDE scheme. Check RVO.nl or ask a recognized insulation company.

How quickly will I earn back the investment? That varies per measure, but on average the payback time is between 3 and 8 years. And you will notice the difference in comfort immediately.

3. Insulating? We'll take care of it for you!

Do you want to have your home insulated and are looking for a partner who will do it properly and reliably? Then Global Bouw is a good choice. We have a lot of experience with different types of insulation and are happy to provide you with customized assistance. Our team consists of professionals who know exactly what they are doing and ensure quality that will benefit you for a long time. We take your budget into account, but always deliver top-notch work, because we care about your satisfaction.

Feel free to contact us. Together we will look at what best suits your needs and situation. That way, we will provide a solution that makes your home more energy efficient and comfortable.