Insulation acts as a barrier to heat flow. It can make your home more comfortable by reducing the amount of warmth escaping in winter and reducing the amount of heat entering in summer. By insulating you can significantly reduce your heating and cooling bills and help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

In an uninsulated house most heat is lost or gained through the ceiling and roof - this is the most important part of the home to insulate. Insulating external walls can bring further benefits. Sealing air gaps will also help.

Opening and closing windows and window coverings at appropriate times to control air flows and heat transfer will also increase your comfort levels. This is particularly important in summer to prevent your house overheating. If you allow too much direct summer sun into your home through windows then insulation may act to keep the home warmer for a longer period of time.

How Insulation Works
The two main types of insulation are bulk insulation and reflective insulation.

Bulk insulation works by trapping small cells or layers of air within the insulating material. Many pockets of still air are very effective at retarding heat transfer.

Reflective insulation works by reflecting significant proportions of light and heat. Some reflective foils can be used both as a vapour barrier and to reduce heat transfer.

See the Insulation brochure (PDF 381 KB) for further information on insulation.

If you want to know more about insulating your home, keeping it cool in summer and warm in winter or any other matters relating to home and energy, simply phone the Sustainable Energy Development Office's Energy Smart Line on 1300 658 158.

Typical Areas of Heat Transfer