Step 10: Get comfortable with insulation

When you mention insulation, most people think of batts in the roof. But it’s more than that.

It involves anything that:

keeps the heat in during winter
keeps excessive heat out during summer.

Without insulation, a significant amount of the energy that we use to heat or cool our business premises can be lost.

By properly insulating and draught-proofing your premises, you can reduce your heating and cooling bills by up to 40%.^[1]

In addition to reducing costs, insulation can also make your working environment more comfortable.

This section will show you how insulation, draught-proofing and energy efficient windows can help to cut your running costs.

Insulation and draught-proofing can reduce winter heating costs by up to 70%.^[2]

Footnotes

Money Saving Tips

INSULATION - THE BASICS

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How much money can you save with insulation?

19/06/2014

How much money can you save with insulation? Many SMEs do not have adequate insulation in their premises. With 69% of Australian homes now insulated,[1] the financial savings are well documented: Ceiling/roof insulation – savings of up to 45%.[2] Floor insulation – savings of up to 5% – 10%.[3] Wall insulation – savings of […]
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What types of insulation are there?

19/06/2014

What types of insulation are there? There are two main types of insulation – bulk insulation and reflective insulation. You may also have heard of a third type – composite insulation. This combines the benefits and properties of both bulk and reflective insulation. All of them will save you money. This section explains the difference […]
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What’s the difference between ‘R-values’ and ‘U-values’?

19/06/2014

What’s the difference between ‘R-values’ and ‘U-values’? ‘R-values’ and ‘U-values’ are measurements used to judge the effectiveness of different types of insulation. They are the insulation equivalent of the energy stars on washing machines and fridges. The R value measures the ability of your insulation material to resist the flow of heat. The ‘U-value’ helps […]
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Insulation and safety

19/06/2014

Insulation and safety Many small business owners are concerned about the safety risks of installing insulation, particularly with regard to reflective foils and the risk of electrocution. According to the Australian Government,[4] your installer should: ensure that thermal insulation in roof spaces is clear of electrical fittings follow Australian New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 3000:2007 Electrical […]

LOW COST SOLUTIONS

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Draught-proofing your business

19/06/2014

Draught-proofing your business During winter, draughts can be responsible for up to 25% of heat loss from your business.[1] It’s a bigger problem than many business people realise. YourHome.gov.au states that Australian buildings leak 2–4 times as much air as North American or European buildings. Draught-proofing your business is a cheap way to save […]
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Saving money with exhaust fans and vents

19/06/2014

Saving money with exhaust fans and vents When an exhaust fan or vent is not in use, it shnd ouould snap shut. If it doesn’t, hot or cold air can move in at of the business. This can lead to heat loss or heat gain which can impact on heating and cooling bills. If your […]
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How shading your premises can save you money

19/06/2014

How shading your premises can save you money Avoiding ‘the oven effect’ Insulation needs to be coupled with shading and draught-proofing. In summer, a lack of shade around an insulated building can lead to what is called ‘the oven effect’. After the sun’s radiant heat passes through the glass and into the building, the heat […]
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Cutting drafts with a chimney balloon

19/06/2014

Cutting drafts with a chimney balloon If your business is located in an older building, there’s a good chance that you’ll have a chimney. Chimneys don’t just bring drafts into a building, they also suck out a lot of the air that’s been heated or cooled by your air conditioner. The cheap and easy way […]

INVEST & SAVE

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What should you ask an insulation installer?

19/06/2014

What should you ask an insulation installer? When it comes to getting insulation quotes, check that your insulation installer is accredited and qualified. Also make sure that they’re familiar with the relevant building and safety standards required to insulate your business. This ensures that they’ll do the job properly and safely. When it comes to […]
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Use the right insulation levels for your area

19/06/2014

Use the right insulation levels for your area Different types of businesses can have different insulation needs, depending on the kind of business they’re in. Different climate zones also require different levels of insulation. For example, a business in Darwin will require different insulation, heating and cooling requirements to a business in Hobart. In some […]
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Keeping your roof spaces cooler

19/06/2014

Keeping your roof spaces cooler In summer, the temperature of roof areas can get up as high as 60–70°C.[1] In addition to insulation and roof ventilation, the colour of the roof can play a key part in keeping your roof spaces cooler. This section shows you how to keep the roof cool in your business […]
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The benefits of a cool roof

19/06/2014

The benefits of a cool roof On a sunny day, the inside of a black car will be hotter than a white car. It’s similar with a roof. The darker the roof, the more heat it absorbs and the hotter it will be inside your premises. Painting a roof white or a pale colour, maximises […]
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Insulating underneath flooring and signs

19/06/2014

Insulating underneath flooring and signs Flooring can account for around 10-20% of heat loss or heat gain,[1] so insulating it is a lesser priority than insulating your ceiling. Suspended flooring often has electrical cables underneath it, so you or your installer should take care when installing insulation there (particularly if you’re using reflective foil insulation). […]
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Garage door insulation

19/06/2014

Garage door insulation Some small businesses use garage space for warehousing. If your premises has a garage next to an area that’s heated or cooled, you should consider insulating the garage door. This will help to minimise the loss of conditioned air from your premises. Plus it will make the working conditions in the garage […]
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Air curtains, revolving doors and automated doors

19/06/2014

Air curtains, revolving doors and automated doors Air curtains (also known as ‘air doors’) If your premises has an entrance that has to remain open to the elements, then an air curtains (also called an ‘air door’) can act as an insulating temperature barrier between the outside and inside. In summer they prevent cool air from […]

INSULATION & WINDOWS

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How home-based businesses can save money with the ‘Windows Energy Rating Scheme’ (WERS)

19/06/2014

How home-based businesses can save money with the ‘Windows Energy Rating Scheme’ (WERS) How home-based businesses can save money with the ‘Windows Energy Rating Scheme’ (WERS) As with insulation, windows have the ability to make your business premises cooler in summer and warmer in winter. A business can lose up to 40% of its heat […]
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What should you look for when buying windows for commercial premises?

19/06/2014

What should you look for when buying windows for commercial premises? When it comes to saving energy, knowing your way around windows is important if you want to maximise your financial savings. This section will show you how. ‘Solar Heat Gain Coefficient’ and how it can it save you money Selecting a window […]

FURTHER INFORMATION

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Ceiling insulation and halogen downlights

19/06/2014

Ceiling insulation and halogen downlights If you want to maximise financial savings from ceiling insulation, then don’t have halogen downlights. Halogen downlights can get extremely hot, so from a fire safety point of view you need to keep a clear space around them in your ceiling cavity. This helps to avoid them overheating but it […]
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Further information on insulation

19/06/2014

Further information on insulation There are two Australian government websites that give excellent advice on installing insulation in your business or home. YourEnergySavings.gov.au provides good information on the basics: EnergyCut.info/yes-insulation YourHome.gov.au has a detailed web page and fact sheet about insulation: EnergyCut.info/yh-insulation-leaflet YourHome.gov.au also has a very good web page and fact sheet regarding energy efficiency […]

Step 10: Get comfortable with insulation

When you mention insulation, most people think of batts in the roof. But it’s more than that.

It involves anything that:

Without insulation, a significant amount of the energy that we use to heat or cool our business premises can be lost.

By properly insulating and draught-proofing your premises, you can reduce your heating and cooling bills by up to 40%.[1]

In addition to reducing costs, insulation can also make your working environment more comfortable.

This section will show you how insulation, draught-proofing and energy efficient windows can help to cut your running costs.

Insulation and draught-proofing can reduce winter heating costs by up to 70%.[2]

Money Saving Tips

INSULATION - THE BASICS

LOW COST SOLUTIONS

INVEST & SAVE

INSULATION & WINDOWS

FURTHER INFORMATION

SHARE

By properly insulating and draught-proofing your premises, you can reduce your heating and cooling bills by up to 40%.^[1]

Insulation and draught-proofing can reduce winter heating costs by up to 70%.^[2]