Spring is just around the corner, flowers are slowly starting to bloom and the days are getting longer and warmer. When you are a homeowner, this can mean one thing – home renovation season is upon us! If you have planned to use the following months to upgrade your house, consider installing insulation. This investment will pay for itself in the long run, since insulation can save you a lot of money over the years. If your energy bills spike during the summer and winter months, use insulation to create an energy-efficient home and save money.
What is insulation?
Insulation is a material whose purpose is to trap certain amounts of air to slow down the movement of heat. It keeps the warm air inside during the winter months and keeps it from getting into the house during the summer months. There are several materials that can be used for home insulation, from fibreglass and polystyrene to mineral wood. Click here to find out more about types of insulation. There are also several methods of applying it. You can use spray-in foam, loose-fill, or even rolls of batting, depending on your needs.
When looking for new insulation, pay attention to its “R-value”. This number is used to rate the effectiveness of insulation. The higher the number, the better the insulation.
Signs you need insulation
If you are living in a house that was built before 1960, chances are you could benefit from home insulation. Even if this is not the case, be sure to check on your current insulation and see whether its R-value meets the U.S. Department of Energy’s recommendations. You can determine your insulation situation by inspecting any unfinished walls to see whether they are insulated. If you do not have any unfinished walls, turn off the power, remove the electrical outlet covers, and look at the wall cavity.
Unfortunately, a lot of homes are poorly insulated, so be sure to keep your eyes open for signs of bad insulation. For instance, see whether the temperature varies significantly from room to room, or look at your power bills to determine whether they get really high during summer/winter months when you cool/heat your home. During the winter visit your attic and check for icicles. If this area is not properly insulated, you will see those hanging from the rooftop. The draft around a window or dryer vent can also be a sign of inadequate insulation.
Saving money with insulation
There are several reasons why you should insulate your home, and lower energy bills are just one of them. Research shows that you can save 15% on heating and cooling costs. For most people, that is around $200 a year. However, if you live in a colder area, those savings will be even higher.
Not only will insulation reduce your bills, but it will also increase your home’s market value. Therefore, if you are planning to sell your home in the future, this type of investment will surely pay off.
Proper insulation will also make your home far more comfortable for you and your family members, and make it a quieter place since it absorbs sound.
Where to install insulation?
There are several areas of your home that need to be insulated for the best results. When it comes to most homes, the attic is the best place to start. Next, you should insulate the space between and above the floor joists, as well as all exterior walls. If there are some unheated areas of your house, such as the garage, make sure you insulate the wall between your home and this space. Warm air can crawl into your home during the summer, or leave it during the winter through the gaps around the windows and door frames, so seal any drafts you may find.
Upgrading your insulation is definitely an investment that is well worth the expense. Proper insulation will reduce your energy bills, increase your home value, and turn your house into a comfortable and quiet place for you and your loved ones.
About the Author/s
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.
