Expert Tips on Checking Your Home Insulation Ahead of October’s Energy Bill Changes

Expert Tips on Checking Your Home Insulation Ahead of October’s Energy Bill Changes

Expert Tips on Checking Your Home Insulation Ahead of October’s Energy Bill Changes

With the new energy bills coming into effect this October, it’s more important than ever to ensure your home is properly insulated. As temperatures begin to drop and we all start thinking about turning on the heating, knowing whether your walls are insulated can make a significant difference in how energy-efficient—and cost-effective—your home will be this winter.

Now is a great time to assess your insulation so you can avoid wasting energy and ensure your home stays warm without driving up costs. Below, our expert shares some simple DIY tips to help you check if your walls are insulated, but we always recommend proceeding with care. If you’re unsure at any point, it’s best to consult a professional for peace of mind.

If you need anything else at all please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Robert Quinton, DIY Expert and Owner of Construction Megastore has the following advice;

“Understanding whether your walls are insulated is crucial for improving energy efficiency and comfort in your home. While you can try a couple of DIY methods to check for insulation, we always recommend getting a professional assessment to avoid potential damage or safety hazards,” says 

Method 1: Checking via an Outlet or Light Switch

1. Turn off the power – Before you start, ensure safety by turning off the power to the outlet or light switch you plan to inspect at the breaker box.
2. Remove the cover – Use a screwdriver to carefully remove the cover plate of the outlet or switch. This will give you access to a small portion of the wall cavity behind it.
3. Look inside the wall – With the cover removed, shine a flashlight into the wall cavity and gently use a small tool like a thin screwdriver to probe inside the gap. You’re checking to see if there’s insulation material (such as fibreglass, foam, or cellulose) in place.
4. Reassemble everything – Once done, replace the outlet cover and restore power. Remember, this method will only show you what’s behind that particular outlet or switch, so it may not reflect the insulation in the rest of the wall.

Method 2: Drilling a Small Inspection Hole

1. Choose an inconspicuous spot – Find a discreet area of the wall, such as inside a closet, under a baseboard, or behind a piece of furniture. Make sure it’s not an area with wiring or plumbing.
2. Drill a small hole – Use a drill with a small bit to make a hole just large enough to peer inside the wall (roughly 1/4 inch or 6mm). This will allow you to look for insulation material. Be sure to drill slowly to avoid damaging anything within the wall cavity.
3. Inspect the cavity – Shine a flashlight into the hole and use a small tool to feel for insulation if it isn’t visible. You may see fibreglass batts, foam boards, or blown-in cellulose, which are common types of insulation.
4. Patch up the hole – Once you’re done inspecting, fill the hole with a quick-dry patch or a bit of spackle to restore the wall’s appearance.

Important Note: Always Consult a Professional

“While these methods can give you an idea of whether your walls are insulated, they have limitations. Insulation might not be consistent across all walls, and these checks won’t give you insight into the insulation’s quality or condition. Furthermore, there’s a risk of hitting electrical wires or causing damage if you’re not careful,” says Robert. 

“For an accurate and safe assessment, we highly recommend having a qualified insulation expert inspect your walls. Professionals use tools like thermal imaging cameras and borescopes, which can evaluate the insulation without the risk of damage to your home or injury to yourself.”