Heating and cooling adds up to approximately fifty to seventy percent of the energy consumed by the average American household. No matter where you live, keeping a tight and energy efficient home is a priority. If the home is not properly insulated, it costs a lot more money to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, you can cut your heating and cooling bills by approximately fifty percent simply by sealing the home and insulating crawl spaces, floors, walls, ceilings and the attic. The degree of savings depends on a lot of factors, such as the home’s age, design, size, type of heating and cooling system and the schedule of the occupants. No matter what, improving insulation translates into significant cost savings. Simply by installing insulation, the average homeowner stands to save approximately eight hundred dollars per year. And there are benefits above and beyond trimming the budget. Adding insulation to the attic protects the home’s structure. It combats damage caused by excessive heat and moisture. It stops water vapor from penetrating and eroding the integrity of the walls. The insulation reduces heat buildup in the attic, which can cause shingles on the roof to swell and crack. Trapping heat in the home can cause the wood of decks, door frames and window frames to soften and warp. Insulation further stops ice dams from forming when snow melts and then freezes on the roof’s edge. Plus, upgrading insulation in the attic combats mold that tends to grow and flourish in moist areas. These problems are prevented because insulation mitigates the effects of condensation.
Attic insulation also assists with indoor air quality. All sorts of contaminants, such as dust, mildew, mold, pollen and even bugs and rodents can get inside the home through leaks. Airborne toxins continue to build up over time and negatively impact the indoor environment and breathing air. A long list of health problems can result, such as respiratory infection, sore throat, headache and aggravated symptoms of allergies and asthma. Insulating the attic stops pollutants from entering and spreading throughout the home. Your family can breathe easier, sleep better and be more productive during the day. The environment stays cleaner, lessening the need for dusting and vacuuming. Removing the old insulation also gets rid of any contaminants that it might be harboring inside your air conditioner, such as rodent feces.
Investing into superior home installation enhances comfort. Heat naturally moves from warmer to cooler areas. It doesn’t matter if the home is outfitted with a modern, high-efficiency heating and cooling system. There can be extreme temperature fluctuations from one room to another or between the first and second story if the residence is under-insulated. The home can become overheated or chilly more quickly due to the weather outside. A temperature separation of ten to fifteen degrees between the floors is a certain indication of too little insulation. Most bedrooms are located on the upper floors. Upgrading insulation is an effective way to improve comfort at night and during the early morning hours. There’s also less wear and tear on the HVAC equipment. Poor insulation allows drafts, energy waste, hot spots and chilly areas. The air conditioner and heater then need to work harder and run longer to both achieve and maintain the desired indoor temperature. If the ductwork runs through the attic, there is an even greater chance of issues with energy waste, higher utility bills, diminished comfort and malfunction with the HVAC system. Reducing heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter minimizes demands on the heating and cooling equipment and saves money all year round.
Simply reducing the workload of the heating and cooling system is a huge bonus. By stopping the conditioned air from leaking out and outside air from coming in, the air conditioner and heater won’t need to run for as long of cycles. This minimizes the chance of malfunction and increases service life. You’re going to spend less on the cost of both operation and ownership. The HVAC system will remain in better condition and provide superior performance. The home will be more comfortable all year round. When the outside temperature drops to twenty below zero, there will be far less impact on the home. If the summer weather brings 90 degree heat with brutal humidity, the air conditioner won’t need to operate non stop. You won’t deal with an attic that feels like an oven or huge icicles hanging off the roof. Increasing levels of insulation is most definitely an investment with amazing potential return. The cost of hiring a professional to handle the job is not overwhelming.There’s also the possibility of completing the installation project yourself. However, to properly install blown-in insulation requires specialized tools. While the rolls of insulation are much easier to install as a do-it-yourself project, it’s certainly not a fun job. The time, labor and unpleasant conditions often make it preferable to spend a bit of money and let the professionals handle it.
Many HVAC companies specialize in insulation services. Insulation can be installed and upgraded in existing homes without tearing into walls and ceilings. Blown-in insulation is an effective, non-invasive and affordable process. The insulation is made up of safe, non-toxic and flame retardant materials. Rather than installed by the roll, small particles are blown into the cavities in the walls and ceilings. This loose-fill conforms to odd shaped and tight spaces. It accommodates electrical wires and plumbing pipes. There is no damage, mess or unpleasant smells. The insulation process can typically be completed in a few hours and usually pays for itself in energy savings. Once the insulation is installed, most homeowners notice a dramatic improvement in temperature control, humidity levels, air quality and monthly energy costs. Adding insulation also helps with sound levels. You’re less likely to hear traffic noises, and dogs barking. The sounds created by your household remain contained inside and aren’t disrupting your neighbors. If you’re thinking of making some improvements to the efficiency and comfort of your home, be sure to consider an insulation upgrade. It’s a fairly simple project yet delivers incredible return for your investment.