The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that nearly 50 percent of a homeowner’s energy bill is spent on heating and cooling, so the solution to home money saving is often keeping the temperature warmer in the summer and cooler in the winter. That can be effective, but it’s not always comfortable.
Instead of adjusting the thermostat to save money, you should consider adding insulation. Depending on your current insulation situation, adding insulation could reduce your energy bills by up to 40 percent! Continue reading to learn more.
Do you need to add insulation?
According to the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA), 90 percent of American homes are under-insulated, so there’s a good chance that yours falls into that category.
Here are a few signs that indicate it’s time to call an insulation contractor:
- Drafts near windows: Older, single-pane windows tend to be drafty in general, but if you have upgraded windows and the area near them is still cooler than other spots, you may have an insulation issue. Even adding some insulation around the windows can help reduce heating and cooling bills.
- Varying room temperatures: Each room in your home should be roughly the same temperature if you have a central heating and cooling system. If some rooms feel warmer or cooler than others, there’s likely an insulation imbalance in your home. An insulation contractor can perform an energy audit to see which areas need more insulation.
Where should you install insulation?
It’s ideal to add insulation anywhere and everywhere—but that could cost a fortune and make your insulation money saving not worthwhile. Here are a few places to focus on:
- Attic: The number-one place most homeowners need to add insulation is up in the attic. Although you don’t spend much time up there, heat rises and can escape through your roof. Adding insulation on the attic floor can help seal heat downstairs in your living areas.
- Garage: Attached garages are known for being under-insulated. Again, you might not spend a ton of time out in the garage, but you may be losing a ton of money by heat flowing out from garage walls. Chances are, upgrading your insulation can help reduce your energy bills.
- Crawl space: If your floors feel chilly in the cooler months, the reason could be that your crawl space is under-insulated. You can start with your home money saving by adding insulation under your home.
- Exterior walls: The exterior walls in your living should already have insulation, but it might not be enough or the right kind. Get an energy audit from an insulation contractor to see which walls could use an insulation upgrade.
Talk to 5 Star Performance Insulation, Inc. today
With the temperatures cooling down, now’s the perfect time to start thinking about insulation money saving for the winter. Call our team at 5 Star Performance Insulation, Inc. to learn more about adding attic insulation or insulation in other parts of your home. We’ll start with a consultation to see where you need insulation the most.