Insulation is essential in keeping your house cool in summer and warm in winter. But because of that passive nature, it’s easy to forget that it’s sitting there, keeping heat from escaping, and needs to be maintained occasionally.
In some areas, February can be the most bitterly cold period of the winter, so don’t overlook the role of insulation in preserving the heat you’re spending so much money to pump into your house.
According to the EPA’s Energy Star program, adequate insulation is one of the most cost-saving projects you can undertake. Quality insulation and weatherstripping can lower your heating costs by 20 percent. Two-thirds of homes in the United States don’t have adequate insulation.
Large ice dams on the roof or large icicles hanging from the overhang of your house are an early sign that your insulation isn’t performing properly. Icicles and ice dams form because heat is escaping your home through the ceiling, melting snow and ice, and refreezing on the roof or overhangs.
The attic is a frequent culprit in the insulation problem. If you can see the studs, it’s not insulated heavily enough. But don’t underestimate how much you might be losing in your walls, either. A professional home energy audit can help determine where you’re losing heat.
Insulation is not a DIY job. Many factors impact where and how insulation needs to be installed. When you hire an insulation professional, ask what professional certifications they hold. Ask your home energy provider if they have a list of preferred or participating contractors. A qualified contractor will know what energy rebates you can take advantage of for the type of insulation you use.
Insulation comes in many forms. The most common type is fiberglass, which is the least expensive and easiest to install. Spray foam insulation is effective in enclosed walls, new wall cavities and unfinished attic floors. Cellulose insulation is a loose-fill material made from recycled paper. It’s environmentally friendly but needs to be replaced every five years because it absorbs moisture over time.
Insulation is measured by the R-value, indicating its durability and effectiveness in guarding against heat penetration. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation. For most attics, Energy Star recommends an R-value of R-38, which is about 12 to 15 inches of padding. For cold-weather areas, such as the Northeast or northern Midwest, an R-value of 49 may be recommended.
Home insulation prices can vary depending on the size and age of the home, what type and amount of insulation is needed, and the location of installation. Older homes can be more expensive to install in since old insulation removal will be needed and older structures may need to be worked around.
Having the proper insulation can make your home more comfortable and energy efficient. Attic insulation needs to include the overall area as well as the access points, windows, chimney and vents. Basement insulation can create a thermal barrier and can include floors over crawlspaces. An electrician may be needed when installing insulation around outlets and wiring.
Your windows represent one of the biggest sources of energy loss during the winter. In fact, adding insulating window film can help retain up to 55 percent of your home’s heat during the winter.
Your best bet is to purchase window film and a window insulation kit from a hardware store, which shouldn’t cost you more than $30. Installing it involves stretching the plastic over the window, then using a hair dryer to shrink and seal the plastic around the edges, rendering it airtight against leaks.
This quick fix can save energy and money, but if you’re losing a lot of heat through your windows, consider hiring a professional window replacement company to permanently solve the problem.
