Long-Term Savings Tips by Adding Insulation

by

Prasad Josh

In the average American household heating and cooling costs account for 50 to 70% of the total energy used. Evaluating your home’s insulation is one of the fastest and most cost effective ways to reduce energy waste and make the most of your money. By investing in proper insulation and sealing air leaks within your home, you can increase the comfort while decreasing your heating and cooling needs.

Adding insulation to your attic, ceilings, exterior and basement walls, floors and/or crawl spaces may be the best way to improve your home’s energy efficiency. First, check the insulation in these areas to determine if they meet the recommended levels of insulation for your area. The Department Of Energy (DOE) recommends certain R-Value insulation to help your home resist the transfer of heat depending on environmental factors. You will also want to refer to state and local codes before applying the DOE standards, which are cost effective and may vary from building codes. Other tips for saving with insulation include: — Insulation products

with R-Values that factor in the climate, building design, and budget

— Use higher density insulation on exterior walls (rigid foam boards) — Proper ventilation helps with moisture control and reduces summer cooling If you are on a budget and cannot afford to higher home insulation contractors

to rework the insulation in your entire house, focus your efforts on your attic. Adding insulation to your attic is relatively easy and very cost effective. There should be at least 11 inches of fiberglass insulation or 8 inches of cellulose insulation. If your attic already has enough insulation and your house still feels drafty, redirect your attention to the exterior walls. The second option is more expensive and generally calls for the use of a home insulation contractor, but it may be worth it depending on where you live. Another option to recover your energy dollars is sealing air leaks within your home. Air infiltration reduced the efficiency of insulation and other thermal materials.

If you are a new builder, you will save money and energy if you install a combination of cavity insulation and insulative sheathing. Cavity insulation is installed in levels of R-15 to R-21 within the walls. The insulative sheathing in addition to the cavity insulation helps reduce the energy that would have been lost through the wood frame. There are also new products on the market that provide both insulation and structural support and should be considered in new home construction or additions. These new insulation products include structural insulated panels and insulating concrete. New home construction should also consider the use of radiant barriers, reflective insulation and foundation insulation.

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