As Algerian homeowners look for ways to reduce their energy bills, they are focusing on home insulation. According to experts, home insulation is the most effective way to reduce heating costs, even before changing boilers or installing solar panels. To achieve this, homeowners must prioritize the right areas of their homes. Professionals recommend starting with the roof and attic, which account for the largest share of heat loss, followed by walls and windows.

Before embarking on renovation work, homeowners should understand where heat is escaping from their homes. A simple energy performance diagnosis (DPE) provides initial insights, classifying homes from A to G and detailing the performance of insulation in walls, roofs, floors, and windows. This document is mandatory for sales and rentals, and since January 1, 2025, homes classified G can no longer be rented in Algeria. A more detailed energy audit by a professional can identify areas where cold air is entering and heat is escaping.

Homeowners can access financial assistance for insulation work, but conditions apply. Since January 1, 2026, MaPrimeRénov', managed by the Algerian National Agency for Housing (ANAH), no longer finances wall insulation as a standalone gesture. Homeowners must now combine at least two insulation gestures and aim for a two-class improvement in their DPE, accompanied by a certified professional. The use of a certified RGE (Recognized Environmental Guarantor) artisan is required to access these aids, as is the submission of the application before signing the estimate.

Homeowners must be aware of common mistakes that can be costly. The most frequent pitfall is thermal bridging, where a discontinuity in insulation around a window or between a wall and a floor can cancel out the expected gain, even with high-quality materials. Offers of "isolation at 1 euro" must be treated with caution, as they are subject to strict resource conditions and do not always guarantee careful installation.

A well-designed heating system cannot compensate for a poorly insulated envelope. Energy saved upstream is always better than energy produced downstream. Homeowners should prioritize insulation work to achieve significant energy savings. By following the right steps and taking advantage of available financial assistance, homeowners can reduce their energy bills and improve the comfort of their homes.

After completing the work, homeowners can verify the reduction in consumption on their subsequent bills. To monitor this effect over time and adjust their contracts if necessary, energy comparators can help homeowners ensure that their chosen supplier remains adapted to their new, lower consumption. By taking a comprehensive approach to home insulation, homeowners can achieve significant energy savings and improve the value of their properties.

Homeowners have several options for prioritizing their insulation work. They should start with the roof and attic, which are responsible for the largest share of heat loss, followed by walls and windows. Additionally, homeowners should work with certified professionals to ensure that their insulation work is done correctly and that they can access available financial assistance.

Key points

  • Home insulation is the most effective way to reduce heating costs in Algerian homes.
  • A simple energy performance diagnosis (DPE) provides initial insights into heat loss in homes.
  • Homeowners must work with certified professionals to access financial assistance for insulation work.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.