The start of 2026 will see the arrival of an Arctic airmass, bringing snow and plunging temperatures to much of the UK. Most people will be using their heating more during the big freeze. However, lots of homes will spend more than they should because the properties don’t have enough insulation. We want to have a closer look at the topic here. Then, if you want to work with a top architect in London, you can rely on us.

Do you know how much heat you could be losing?

The big problem with keeping a home warm is the heat can escape in various ways. The majority (as much as 40%) escapes through the walls. Windows and doors are a major culprit too, accounting for up to 30% heat loss. Next you have the roof; as much as 25% can get out because warm air rises. Finally, up to 10% can be lost through floors.

If a home is uninsulated, the combination of heat loss through the various routes can cause big problems. It means you may struggle to keep it warm and will likely have to use your heating more. This can be costly and results in a bigger carbon footprint.

What to do?

The solution is to ensure homes have better thermal insulation. There are actually three key principles of heat loss to consider. Understanding them can ensure you choose the right solutions for homes. Let’s have a look, then if you want some advice to design your dream energy efficient home, you can speak to us and work with a top architect in London.

Firstly, heat can escape from a building via conduction. This means it literally transfers through solid materials like the walls and floors. The key to address it is to use materials to slow down the conduction. This includes mineral wool insulation or foam.

Secondly, you can lose heat from a property because of convection. Air naturally moves around and can exit a home through gaps. Common culprits include doors and windows. The key to tackling this is to seal any kind of gap other than essential ones like vents.

Finally, heat can leave a home via radiation. The problem, especially in winter, is the temperature differential. It can be much colder outside than it is inside. So, heat can radiate from warm internal surfaces to colder external ones. It is especially common with walls, roofs, windows, and doors. The solution is to use insulating materials to reflect the heat back, keeping it inside the property.

The best approach here is to address all three mechanisms. It will help you to create the ideal insulation strategy. Ultimately, ensure you select the right design and materials for the building envelope. Make sure the focus is on maintaining the internal temperature for the minimal amount of heating input.

Develop designs with a creative architect in London

The best thing to do if you want to create a warm, sustainable, energy efficient home is work with leading architects. We’d love to help you. Our award winning team gives you the perfect support and the chance to explore countless avenues for the designs, including different materials.

So, if you have questions or want to start designing, speak to us. You can discuss anything with an award winning architect in London, including insulation and energy efficiency. We also help with essential things like planning applications.