However, a house is like a complex ecosystem where one change can have significant unintended consequences. Incorrectly installed insulation can pose problems for your property.
Which? home improvements expert Adam Snook has identified five key mistakes people make when insulating, to help you avoid them.
Read on to find out how to better insulate your house without creating a fire risk, causing damp issues, or running into other common pitfalls.
Make changes for the planet and your pocket.1. Don't insulate around electrical fixtures
Generally, it’s good to insulate or draughtproof anywhere that cold air whistles into your home - you might find leaks around letterboxes, chimneys and loft hatches.
However, some misplaced insulation can be a fire risk. Don't put insulation anywhere that it could cause heat to build up with nowhere to go, and then catch alight.
In the loft, that means you should leave gaps around electrical components such as wiring, fuse boxes or ceiling lights.
Covering these fixtures up can also create other problems, such as electrical failures, or preventing easy access if maintenance and repairs are necessary.
And - it goes without saying, but don't block off chimneys and flues that are still in use.
For an overview of the long-term upgrades and possible savings available for your own home, use our personalised .2. Don't squash loft insulation with storage
Lofts are useful storage spaces, so it might be tempting to pile boxes on top of your newly laid loft insulation and not think about the impact on its performance.
Squashing loft insulation down and compressing it makes it worse at trapping air and preventing heat from escaping. It also prevents airflow, which can cause moisture to build up, leading to dreaded damp problems.
If your loft has vents for air circulation, you should avoid blocking these with stored items too, as this can make these problems even worse.
If you need to walk over your loft insulation or store items above it, use raised loft boards with a sufficient air gap to keep insulation in the right condition.
For full details on the pros and cons of different types of loft insulation, and how much they could save you, read our guide on .3. Don't insulate walls without resolving damp first
The goal of installing insulation is to keep your home warm and comfortable by preventing heat from escaping.
However, to do this successfully for your walls, you need to make sure any damp issues are resolved first, as trapping moisture inside can create problems.
If you have cracks where water is entering your cavity walls and put insulation inside without fixing possible leaks or damp patches, it can instead exacerbate or expand the damp issues.
Solid walls will need a damp-proof course to be installed before insulation is added, as this prevents water soaking in.
When insulation is placed on top of existing moisture it can't escape the walls, generating damp and condensation inside them.
A good and reputable installer should address these issues with you and explain how they will solve them.
Find out how much , how much it could save you, and whether it is ideal for your home.4. Don't insulate underground spaces with damp issues
Similarly to walls, insulating basements, cellars or crawl spaces makes sense for conserving heat, but can also create or exacerbate trapped moisture problems.
Before installing insulation in areas that are unventilated or have little airflow, make sure there aren't currently any damp issues and put in preventative measures such as damp-proof membrane and waterproof coatings.
These will help prevent moisture seeping in once the insulation has been installed.
Controlled ventilation is important in any enclosed space to make sure that air can circulate and refresh - this is even more true the more insulation there is.
If your home is suffering from damp and mould, follow our advice on .5. Don't hire someone to fit insulation without a solid recommendation
As with any type of home improvements, it's essential to find a properly qualified, reliable tradesperson to complete the work.
The insulation installation market has faced particular difficulties when it comes to unhappy customers reporting bad advice, poor quality jobs and unreliable companies.
Money for insulation is often available from government grants, including the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) and Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4).
Read more:While these help make insulation upgrades accessible for more homeowners, it also attracts disreputable installers looking to make a quick profit.
To avoid the stress, expense and potential damage of a bad installation, use a trader who comes recommended, with a history of good work.
Ask around any local friends and neighbours who have had work done on their homes, and use our Which? Trusted Trader tool to find a company that has passed our extensive vetting process:
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