Colorful foliage, lively festivities, and the first comforting snowfall highlight the fall season. But what about one unappealing feature? Increased energy expenditures as the weather cool and the thermostat are turned up.
The United States Department of Energy recorded that heating and cooling account for 49% of a home’s energy expenditure. One of the biggest reasons your energy expenses may rise throughout the winter (and summer, when the AC is turned on) is because your home isn’t adequately insulated.
A well-insulated home will help you keep your power cost under control, and an energy-efficient home is also healthier for the environment. So, how can house insulation help to lower energy bills? Utility Bidder got you covered.
What is home insulation?
Any insulation has the same purpose: to decrease heat movement into and out of your home. There are several types of insulation materials (fiberglass, polystyrene, mineral wool, and so on) and methods of application (spray-in foam, loose-fill, rolls of batting, and so on), and the best form of insulation depends on your home and demands.
What Is the Process of Insulation?
Insulation works by holding tiny air pockets to delay the transfer of heat out from under the house in the winter and into the household in the summer. The efficiency with which it accomplishes this is measured by a figure known as the “R-value,” the greater the number, the better the insulation is in resisting heat transfer—assuming it’s laid correctly.
Is it time to replace your insulation?
Meanwhile, the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) identified that 90 percent of single-family houses in the United States are under-insulated, so your home may benefit from some improvement. Homes built before 1960 are especially susceptible.
The most straightforward technique to assess if your insulation is enough is to analyze your present insulation (kind and thickness) and compare its R-value to the United States.
Recommendations from the Energy department for your locality.
- Is the temperature varying considerably in different rooms (which might indicate a problem in one house area)?
- Are your energy expenditures skyrocketing when heating and cooling your home?
- Do you see icicles trailing from your roof in the winter (an indication of an insufficiently insulated attic)?
- Check for drafts, which are a symptom of air leakage, especially around windows or dryer vents—(better insulation won’t help if you have leaks). A skilled home energy auditor may do a whole-house energy evaluation for professional findings, including an insulation check.
While some may object to proper insulation—upgrading an attic might cost $1,000 to $2,000 or more—the investment should be worthwhile.
Value
According to recent research, there is often at least a break-even return on investment in your home’s value after putting fiberglass insulation in the attic. Furthermore, you may be entitled to tax breaks to help finance the update; however, they are subject to change, so it’s advisable to consult with a certified tax preparer to understand current rules.
Is it worthwhile to upgrade your insulation?
Most homeowners believe that improving an under-insulated property is well worth the investment, and it pays off in lower energy costs, increased property value, and fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
Take the time to examine and devise a strategy that will result in a properly sealed and insulated home. It’s also critical to seal any drafts, including those around window panes and door frames and those coming from your dryer vent or furnace.