Peter Henry

When Zack Polanski blogs about how UK homes are poorly insulated I get frightened. A lifelong asthmatic, the thought of living in a #GreenParty airless thermos flask fills me with horror.

I don't trust the Greens to do anything pragmatic - If you can't breathe - get on your bike etc. etc. Better you die choking rather than the planet

8:07amWeb
Show threadAndy Fletcher15h ago

@thanetric Well insulated is part of the requirement for a healthy home. Managing air quality by ensuring good and controlled ventilation is the other part.

I've been going through all this the last few years as I build my new home - currently on hold because I'm working out of the country.

Show threadPeter Henry15h ago
@X31Andy Judging by the look of your new house (on your profile page) I would trust you to get it right! Come back quick
Show threadAndy Fletcher14h ago
@thanetric that picture is my current home in Shropshire. The new place, also off-grid is near Cambridge and less complete.
Show threadfak15h ago
@thanetric a well insulated home is a warm and dry home, where the occupant can control both airflow and humidity. In contrast a poorly insulated home exposes the occupant to cold, damp and mould, all of which can be detrimental to respiratory health, whilst being at the mercy of external weather conditions. A well insulated home also has lower running costs for the occupant in terms of heating and a lower impact on the climate as a result.
Show threadForgotten Hero14h ago

@thanetric

Your windows will not be locked and bolted from the outside. There may even, if you are lucky, handles on the inside for you to open them yourself.

The point is to stop the uncontrolled escape of heat (which you pay for) from your roof and walls.

Show threadArcane Roops9h ago

@thanetric There has been a lot of good work done on air quality in recent years.
Preventing draughts can reduce the entry of pollution from the outside air, including particulates and NOx, both of which can trigger asthma. And insulation, done properly, can reduce the cold spots that may harbour damp and lead to allergenic spores.

What matters more to me is the freedom to open a window when I want to, enough air exchange to keep CO2 down to sane levels, and humidity in a narrow band neither too dry, nor too wet.