With the arrival of winter, ensuring a warm and comfortable home without the heating bill skyrocketing largely depends on improving energy efficiency. One of the most effective strategies is to have proper thermal insulation, which can be as crucial as having an efficient heating system.
In Spain, approximately half of the homes have inadequate thermal insulation, according to data from the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU). This problem not only results in a huge waste of energy and money but also affects the comfort of homes, especially during the colder months.
Furthermore, European regulations are tightening energy requirements for buildings. The European Directive on Energy Efficiency in Buildings establishes that, starting from 2030, homes that are to be sold or rented must have a minimum energy rating of “E”. This means that properties must meet certain standards that reduce energy consumption, benefiting both homeowners with lower heating expenses and the environment.
Faced with these challenges, improving home thermal insulation is not just a recommendation for this winter, but an investment that will increase energy savings and quality of life. Experts from the home improvement platform, habitissimo, highlight some effective insulation solutions that help reduce heating costs while increasing comfort.
One of the most recommended options is thermal insulation of walls, especially indoors. This system helps prevent thermal bridges in exterior walls and those adjacent to other properties. According to habitissimo, inadequate thermal transmission not only reduces energy efficiency but can also lead to problems like condensation, moisture, and mold due to temperature differences. Techniques such as drylining or blow-in insulation in walls that face facades can be used for this type of insulation. The average cost to insulate a 10 m² wall is around €250.
Another highlighted alternative is ceiling insulation, especially in upper levels under the roof, habitable lofts, or warehouses. According to experts, heat tends to rise, so insulation in this area acts as an effective barrier to prevent heat loss in winter and, in summer, reduce the impact of direct sunlight. Habitissimo recommends installing false ceilings with insulating materials such as plasterboard sheets or mineral wool. Insulating a 30 m² room with this system has an approximate cost of €750.
These solutions not only meet energy efficiency requirements but also provide thermal comfort to homes throughout the year. Additionally, in the current context of stricter regulations and rising energy prices, investing in thermal insulation is essential to ensure more sustainable and cost-effective homes.
Experts agree that improving insulation is a decision that, in addition to optimizing energy use, prepares homes to meet future demands and contributes to a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.
Types of insulation
Among the existing types of insulation, habitissimo experts first propose mineral insulation. Among them, the main ones are rock wool and fiberglass. Rock wool is made from molten volcanic rock, making it quite heat resistant. It is suitable for both interior walls and facades, as long as they do not come into direct contact with water. It is sold in rolls and is suitable for insulating under roofs. They also point out that this type of insulation is capable of soundproofing walls.
On the other hand, fiberglass is made from molten sand. It is suitable for insulating interior walls, false ceilings, and roofs. It is available in rolls or blankets, depending on the intended use. In low densities, fiberglass is also a sound insulator.
Regarding synthetic insulations, which are increasingly used, they indicate that there are also several types. For example, expanded polystyrene or white cork, which is a very light, economical, and easy-to-install material. It is suitable for increasing the thermal resistance of walls, floors, ceilings, and facades. “The main advantage of this material compared to mineral wools is that it has greater waterproofing capacity, so it can be placed without any problem in any exterior area,” they clarify. Similarly, there is extruded polystyrene, which is also waterproof. Additionally, it has a high resistance to weight and deformation. “These characteristics make it the main option, or one of the most recommended, for placing on facades and roofs, both from the outside and the inside,” they emphasize.
Furthermore, among the ecological and recycled insulations, they include cork, which is a 100% ecological material. This means that it is recyclable and protects the environment, and it also has great insulating capacity. It can be used in walls and floors. Its durability is much greater than that of other insulators, and it also protects interiors from moisture. “It is important to remember that, in addition, this material is hypoallergenic and can be left visible without any problem, as it looks really aesthetic,” add the experts. Finally, habitissimo highlights geotextile, an insulator made from recycled and recyclable textile materials with thermal and acoustic properties.
