Your home is likely one of your biggest expenses, so it’s important to make sure you’re doing everything you can to make it as energy-efficient as possible. To help you in that goal, we’re covering some ways that you can save money on your energy bills and live more comfortably in your home. We’ll also provide tips on how to get started with new insulation if you’re feeling motivated to make some upgrades!
Signs your home might be losing energy
There are a few key signs that your home might be losing energy. If you find yourself constantly adjusting the thermostat or noticing drafts in your home, it might be time to take a closer look at your insulation. Poor insulation can lead to higher energy bills and discomfort in your home, so it’s important to address any issues as soon as possible.
Here are some specific signs to keep an eye out for:
-You find yourself constantly adjusting the thermostat.
-Your home feels drafty.
-Temperatures vary greatly from room to room.
-Your energy bills are higher than usual.
-You notice condensation on your windows or walls.
The financial impact of poor insulation
If your home is not adequately insulated, you could be paying much more than necessary for heating and cooling costs. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that poor home insulation can add up to 30% to your energy bill each month!
Not only is this bad for your wallet, but it’s also terrible for the environment. You can save money by making some simple upgrades and help reduce your home’s carbon footprint.
In fact, the EPA estimates that the average homeowner could save up to 15% on heating and cooling costs by adding insulation in attics, crawl spaces, and basement rim joists. For the average homeowner, that’s about $200 in savings per year.
In warmer parts of the country, like climate zones eight and nine, cooling accounts for a lot of energy costs from spring through fall. For a home in Georgia, that means that good insulation could save you as much as 20%.
With the average cost of most insulation types hovering around $0.20 to $0.50 per square foot, you can understand the value of the savings you’d see over time after upgrading your home’s insulation.
Health and comfort impacts of poor insulation
In addition to the financial costs of poor insulation, there are also some health and comfort impacts to consider. If your home is too cold in the winter or too hot in the summer, it can lead to discomfort and even health problems. According to the EPA, inadequate insulation and air sealing can also contribute to asthma and other respiratory problems.
How new insulation can boost your home efficiency
Installing new insulation is one of the most effective ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. New insulation will help keep heat in during the winter and cool air in during the summer, which can lead to significant savings on your utility bills. In addition, insulating your home will make it more comfortable year-round by reducing drafts and temperature fluctuations.
Increase property value
Now here’s another reason you might not have considered! A well-insulated home often commands a higher market value.
Recent studies indicate that there’s generally at least a break-even return on investment regarding your home’s value after installing fiberglass insulation in the attic. Additionally, you could be eligible for tax incentives to help finance the upgrade.
However, such tax programs are subject to change, so it’s best to speak with a qualified tax preparer to understand current regulations. Regardless of any special tax deals, you’ll still see a return on your investment relatively quickly!
Where to install new insulation for maximum impact
There are a few key places to focus on when installing new insulation: walls, attics, basements, and crawl spaces. These are all areas where heat (or cold, air-conditioned air) can easily escape from your home, so adding some extra insulation will make a big difference.
You’ll want to install insulation in the space between and over the floor joists to protect the living spaces below. You’ll also want to make sure all exterior walls, walls between the home and unheated spaces, and floors above unheated spaces are properly insulated. Pay attention to spaces like an attached garage and crawlspaces.
It’s also important to seal any drafts, such as those around windows and door frames, or from your dryer vent or fireplace. If your windows or doors are letting air pass through, it might be time to upgrade to new ones to prevent energy loss.
Does installing new insulation pay off?
The short answer is yes! Installing new insulation is a great way to save money on your energy bills and live more comfortably in your home. In most cases, the initial investment will pay for itself within a few years through lower utility bills. And since insulation has a lifespan of 20 to 30 years, you’ll continue to enjoy the benefits for many years to come.
Other tips to make your home more energy-efficient
In addition to adding new insulation, there are a few other upgrades you can consider to make your home more energy-efficient:
-Install weatherstripping and caulk around doors and windows to seal up any drafts.
-Replace old windows with more energy-efficient models.
-Upgrade to a more efficient heating and cooling system.
-Add solar panels to your home.
Each of these options will continue to boost your home’s energy efficiency for a more economical and comfortable home.
Getting started with new insulation
If you’re ready to start saving money on your energy bills, installing new insulation is a great place to start. To best understand your needs, you should start with an energy audit, also known as a home efficiency inspection.
When you contact Ideal Insulation, our home efficiency inspection is the first step in ensuring your home is both comfortable and energy efficient. We will evaluate the effectiveness of your insulation and check if your attic is adequately ventilated. Our home efficiency experts will also inspect your basement or crawlspace for moisture infiltration and give you recommendations on how to improve your home’s overall performance.
Home energy inspections are crucial for finding and repairing air leaks and other sources of energy loss. By making your home more energy-efficient, you can start saving money on your monthly energy bill. We want it to be economical as possible to maintain the comfort of your home.
Insulation Materials
There is a wide variety of insulation materials and products on the market. Some of the most popular home insulation types include :
–Fiberglass batts and rolls
-Loose-fill fiberglass
-Cellulose
-Mineral wool batts and boards
-Spray foam insulation
When we come out to your home to complete an energy audit we will also discuss insulation options that fit your home and budget.
Takeaways
Installing new insulation is a great way to improve your home’s energy efficiency and save money on your utility bills. Be sure to focus on key areas like the attic, basement, and walls, and don’t forget to seal up any drafts. For best results, schedule a home energy inspection with one of our experts.
Home efficiency is important for saving money and living comfortably. Alternatively, poor insulation can lead to higher energy bills and discomfort in your home. That’s why installing new insulation is one of the most effective ways to improve home efficiency. You can install insulation yourself or hire a professional, and once the job is done, you’ll see some benefits!
Ready to get started? Reach out to Ideal Insulation today!