Increased energy usage is a natural consequence of economic growth and improving living standards in emerging countries.
Insulation is often considered a luxury and overlooked when building a home
South Africa’s mounting energy crisis means that we all need to think of innovative ways to save electricity in our homes
A regular home loses its energy (on average):
- 35% through the ceiling
- 25% through the walls (depending on the type of construction)
- 20% through the floors
- 10% through the windows
- 10% via Air gaps.
It is important to remember that the internal environment in your home can be affected by the following factors.
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Orientation - Does your home face in the correct direction? North East
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Shading - Have you maximized the winter sun & minimized the summer sun?
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Air Gaps - Are your doors, roof and windows air-tight?
To properly insulate the ceiling in a typical home costs less than 1% of the total per square meter building costs, yet it is one of the few building materials that will save you money for the lifespan of your home.
By adequately insulating your geyser, walls and ceiling you can positively influence 63% of your electricity consumption thus reducing your bills.