Insulation - Organisational Measures

Permanently seal all unused doors and windows

Unused doors and windows are a source of draughts, which cause discomfort and waste money.

Try to identify and seal doors and windows that are no longer used, although make sure that those apparently unused doors and windows are not required for safety reasons (e.g. fire escapes).  

Do consider however that some southern orientated windows and doors may be a good source of heat (solar gain) and light.

Have a maintenance programme for doors, windows and roofs

Draughts from doors and windows cause discomfort.         The resulting 'chill factor' often prompts staff to raise room temperatures to compensate.

Make it somebody's responsibility to check all doors and windows and carry out necessary repairs.

The checklist should include such things as:

• Window panes

• Plastic strip curtains

• Raid action doors

• Window furniture: frames pull cords, etc

• Door furniture: frames, hinges, closers, letter box flaps.

• Roller shutter doors

• Eaves, roof lights etc

Draught-proof windows, roof lights and doors   

Draught proofing is a cheap and very effective means of reducing heating costs and improving staff comfort.

It may be idea to carry out a survey of the building to identify where draught proofing is needed.

Key areas to fit draught proofing are all external doors and all internal doors that separate cold and warm areas

Fit all external doors with door closers   

People often fail to close doors properly; resulting in significant heat loses. External door closers will ensure these doors close.

Close off ventilators that are used for summer cooling, before the heating season starts     

It is wasteful to allow cold air into the building or to extract warm heated air unnecessarily.

Make somebody responsible for closing off all ventilators used for summer cooling. Though make sure that these ventilators are not needed for essential purposes such as removing fumes, dust or odours.

Have your buildings checked for draughts from redundant fireplaces, flues, stacks and chimneys     

A lot of heated air can escape from buildings through these pathways.

Check the building to identify such areas and get these blanked off or removed.

Note: For inbuilt brick chimneys, fit a vent at the base of the old chimney to prevent damp.