Insulation boosts family’s home comforts

DAVID KELLY and his young family say they have noticed a marked difference in the “comfort” of their 1960s bungalow since they got its exterior insulated – using the state grants available to householders.

While the Kellys highly recommend the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) scheme, they have emphasised the need to shop around for a supplier on the SEAI website as quotes vary hugely.

Last winter, despite the Baltic conditions, the family of four found that they didn’t need to switch on their central heating for as long as in previous winters as the hot air wasn’t flowing out through the exterior walls. Before getting their home insulated, they were spending up to €150 per month on natural gas bills. Last February, this bill had fallen to €120. They also find their home in Dalkey, Co Dublin “much more comfortable” to live in.