Insulation and draught-proofing
Insulation is one of the first steps to think about when improving energy efficiency at home. It is essential for keeping your home warm in winter and cool in summer. Good insulation in your roof, walls and floor as well as window coverings can improve the comfort levels in your home while saving you money on energy bills.
Did you know?
You can lose up to 35% of the heat in your home through the roof, 20% through walls and up to 20% through the floor.
Types of insulation
There are different types of insulation that work better in different climates and in different types of homes. Bulk insulation generally works best in Canberra’s climate. Ask an insulation retailer to help you choose the right type of insulation product for your home.
Use at least R5 for the ceiling. Use R2 in the walls and under suspended floors or around slab edges. When building or renovating, consider installing the highest R-value wall insulation you can.
Installing insulation
Make sure you use an appropriately trained and certified installer to ensure your insulation is installed safely and effectively. Improperly installed insulation will greatly reduce the effectiveness of the product.
Arrange for your wiring to be inspected by a licensed electrician to ensure it can be safely covered by insulation and ask about the mandatory clearances around light fittings and transformers.
ACT Government supports
The ACT Government offers zero-interest loans through the Sustainable Household Scheme. You can use this towards the cost of installing energy-efficient products, including ceiling insulation.
Rental property owners can also access the Scheme to upgrade insulation to meet the minimum standard for ceiling insulation in rental properties.
Eligible homeowners can also receive rebates up to $2,500 to install ceiling insulation through the Home Energy Support Program.
Seal cracks and gaps
Cracks and gaps in houses can account for 10% to 15% of heat loss. Watch our DIY videos to help draught-proof your home.
Find gaps
Try holding a lit incense stick near your doors and windows to see which way the smoke blows and how quickly it moves. This can show you if there are gaps that need filling. You might also hear rattling or whistling when it is windy. You can also ask a professional to do an air-leakage analysis on your house.
Fix gaps
- fit draught stoppers under doors or use door snakes
- fit foam strips around windows
- seal around skirting boards, architraves, vents, lights or window frames with a sealant, expanding foam or gap filler rod (check the manufacturer’s label for directions)
- fit draught seals to the base of doors (both internal and external doors)
- fit seals to gaps around door frames
- fit covers on exhaust fans which vent straight into the roof (these open when the fan is in use but stop draughts at other times)
- cover evaporative cooler vents with magnetised vent covers
- seal any unnecessary permanent vents (often found in the walls and ceilings of old homes) unless you are using unflued gas heaters
- learn more about how window coverings can help warm air from coming into your home or escaping.
Important safety considerations
If you have unflued gas heaters, we recommend you replace them immediately as they produce dangerous carbon monoxide fumes.
If you use a wood heater, seek professional advice before draught-proofing your home. Find out more about removing your wood heater.
Free home energy assessments
ACT households can get free in-home energy assessments from one of our energy experts.
Learn the best actions you can take to make your home more comfortable and reduce your energy use and costs. Assessments are tailored for renters and homeowners.
Ready to start? Get help from our one stop shop
Our Sustainable Home Advice service is your one stop shop to get information on how to reduce your energy bills and make your home more comfortable. You can also learn about what ACT Government supports and rebates you may be eligible for.
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.