Why Should You Insulate?
Unless your home was constructed with special energy efficiency, adding insulation will likely reduce your utility bills. The majority of exisitng homes in the United States are not properly insulated. Older homes often use more energy than newer homes, leading to very high heating and air-conditioning costs. Even some newer home are not insulated to maximum efficiency. By increasing the insulation in your home, you may save enough money in reduced utility bills to offset the cost within a few years and continue to save money for as long as you own the home. Proper insulation will also increase the comfort of your home, extend the life of your mechanical assets (heating and cooling systems), and decrease yor homes impact on the environment.
The Importance of Insulation
Inadequate insulation and air leakage are leading causes of energy waste in most homes. Insulation saves money and our planet's limited energy resources. It can also make your house more comfortable by helping to maintain a uniform temperature throughout the house. Walls, ceilings, and floors will be warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Insulation can also act as a sound absorber or barrier, keeping noise levels down.
The amount of energy you conserve will depend on several factors: the current climate; the size, shape, and construction of your house; the living habits of your family; the type and efficiency of the heating and cooling systems; and the fuel you use. Once the energy savings have paid for the installation cost, energy conserved is money saved.
Owen Corning offers a very useful tool in calculating proper attic insulation. Click here to use the calculator.
For additional information from the US Department of Energy click here.
There has never been a better time to improve the energy efficiency of your home!
