Winter Warmer

Properly insulated homes are the next frontier for South Africa in a world of higher energy costs and a harsher climate

- STEPHAN VAN NIEKERK

South African houses are notorious for being poorly insulated. I've never quite understood the reasons for this disregard, but they certainly include cost.

Another factor is surely also the entrenched view that 'we have a great climate and our winters are short' - always forgetting that while our winters may generally be short, they are sharp, and summers are long and hot.

Mitigating uncomfortably hot or cold conditions is possible thanks to technology but in these days of escalating fuel prices and energy scarcity.

it's less of an option. In addition, even the most advanced heating or cooling technologies are rendered less effective if heat transfer between the interior and exterior is not well controlled.

In short, well insulated homes stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer, making for a more comfortable environment and reducing energy costs. Insulation also reduces fire risk.

Heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer are responsible for 25%-30% of all cooling and heating used in residential buildings. The US Department of Energy puts the impact of windows even higher, saying that approximately 30% of a home's heating energy is lost through windows, while 76% of sunlight enters to become heat in summer. The loss can be higher depending on the quality of the home's doors and windows.