Nothing is more frustrating than opening up your monthly energy bill only to discover it’s staggeringly high. Unfortunately, the high bills are a fact of life for many homeowners during the summer and winter months, as your air conditioner or heater has to work overtime to keep your home comfortable. Insulation is a simple yet effective way to reduce your energy bill without having to sacrifice your comfort. Proper insulation helps you save energy by keeping the air from leaking out of your home and the outside air from seeping in. With insulation, you can easily reduce the cost of heating and cooling by more than 40 percent.
Not convinced yet? Here are a few questions you can ask as you start cutting down your energy bill by installing new insulation in Sacramento, CA.
How does insulation work?
Picture a coffee cup. Without a lid, the coffee quickly cools as the warm air rises and the cooler air sinks into the cup. Putting a lid on it will trap the warmth within the cup, which keeps your cup of joe warmer for a longer time. Your home works the same way. The warm or cool air leaks out of your home if it is not properly contained by insulation. Typically, this means it goes from the heated living spaces, such as a living room, to unheated spaces, like an attic. The insulation works to slow the heat flow by providing a barrier to stop the flow of the heat. Heating and cooling can then occur effectively and efficiently.
How does this affect my monthly energy bill?
Your air conditioner or heater has to work extra hard to maintain the set temperature in a poorly insulated home. As the air escapes, your furnace is producing additional heat to make up for it. The heater can turn off in well-insulated homes once the temperature is reached, but that’s not possible in a badly insulated space. Instead, it’s constantly running, which will be reflected on your utility bill. At least 20 percent of the bill could be reduced just by installing insulation! While the upfront cost might be daunting, most insulation actually pays for itself in approximately five to six years.
How should the insulation be installed for the most savings?
Typically, most professionals will focus on the attic, windows and walls, as these tend to be the most vulnerable areas:
- Attic: Install loose-fill or batt insulation in the attic to keep the heat from rising out of the home, in addition to sealing and insulating ducts.
- Windows: Install caulking and weather stripping around the windows to prevent any leaks escaping through the gaps.
- Walls: Insulating fiber, internal insulation and spray foam insulation are all suitable options. It’s best to consult a professional on this one, as the type of insulation you need will ultimately depend on the wall type.
A professional insulation specialist will be able to conduct an energy audit to determine what area’s you should be concerned about. Ready to save some money on your monthly energy bill by installing insulation in Sacramento, CA? Then contact 5 Star Performance Insulation, Inc. today!