Why Insulate?

All homeowners face the burden of paying utilities to heat and fuel their homes. Often enough we attribute the high bills for electricity, oil, and gas as necessary overhead in order to have a comfortable home. We often look at doing the simple things we can do to save pennies, such as turning off the light in an unused room, but we overlook the benefits of insulating our basements, walls and attic and thus save even more than just pennies.

Why You Should Insulate

According to Dept. of Energy statistics, space conditioning, that is heating and cooling, accounts for 50% to 70% of the energy consumed in the average home here in the United States. Another 20% goes toward heating water, while 10% to 30% goes to lighting and powering household appliances. While it makes sense to be conscious of turning off lights and appliances when not in use, it's a virtual no-brainer to examine your home's insulation and eliminate unnecessary waste there as well.

Unless you own a modern home constructed with special attention to efficient energy consumption, adding insulation will probably reduce your utility bills. Many homes throughout the country are not insulated for optimum efficiency and maximum savings. Older homes are more likely to use more energy, leading to higher heating and air conditioning expenses. Newer homes aren't always insulated efficiently. Adding insulation may save enough money in reduced utilities to pay for itself within a few years, and may help you generate a savings surplus for years to come.

Thermal Insulation

Both inadequate insulation and air leakage are principal causes of energy waste at home. Insulating to recommended standards works to save money and conserve resources, as well as make your living space more comfortable. Appropriate levels of insulation will keep walls, ceilings and floors warmer in winter and cooler in summer, while also serving as a sound barrier and absorber.

While it's possible to add insulation to almost any house, some projects can be done manually, or you may prefer to hire a certified contractor. In either case, choosing the right insulation and installing it properly are priority one.

Savings will depend on and are affected by: local climate, size and construction of the house, living habits of the occupants, efficiency levels of the existing heating and cooling systems, as well as the type of fuel in use.

Recommendations

Insulate your attic to the recommended level for your area. Be sure to include attic doors and hatch covers. Be sure to reach the recommended level of insulation under floors, above unheated spaces, around walls in a heated basement or ventilated crawl space. Use the right amount grade of insulation in exterior walls for new home construction. If remodeling or residing your house, consider using the levels recommended for new construction in existing wall space.