How Does Home Insulation Save Money?

Insulation is any material used to fill spaces in your home (like above ceilings, behind walls, crevices, etc.) to reduce heat flow.

Based on the second law of thermodynamics, heat moves from warm outdoors to cooler interiors during summer. During winter, heat flows from warm spaces such as your home to unheated spaces and outdoors.

Insulation slows down heat transfers, minimizing the amount of heat that escapes from your home in winter and keeping excess warmth outside during summer. That way, insulation keeps your heating system or cooling unit from overworking to keep your home comfortable, lowering energy consumption and costs.

Insulation materials are available in two primary forms:

• Batt insulation: Comprises large blankets of insulation that are cut to fit in spaces.
• Blown-in insulation: It is loose-fill insulation consisting mostly of recycled materials like cellulose and fiberglass. It is sprayed into home spaces with a blower machine.

R-value dictates how well a particular type of insulation material prevents heat transfer. The number is presented per inch and typically depends on a material’s thickness and density. For instance, a material with an R-value of 2.8 would offer an overall value of R-39 at 12 inches.

Where and When to Insulate Your Home

Below are the top places to consider during your next home insulation project:

• Attic: The attic, often accounting for 25% of energy losses in homes, is a top candidate for insulation.
• Walls: Most homes lose 33% of the heat via walls. If you live in an older home, chances are your walls are uninsulated. If you moved into a home with insulated walls, you better double-check the insulation quality to ensure maximum comfort and energy savings.
• Crawl space: Even if you do not use your crawl space regularly, insulating the space helps prevent heat from leaking into or out of your home.
• Basement: Insulating your basement could save you several hundred dollars annually.

Now, the question is, when should you insulate your home? Following are the common signs your home needs new insulation:

• A dramatic increase in your energy bills
• Hot and cold spots- some rooms are hotter or cooler than others
• Chilly drafts during winter, which could indicate leakage of cool air via doorways, window frames, or dryer vents
• Ice damming – characterized by large chunks of ice and icicles on your roof
• Deteriorated insulation

How Much Could You Save With Home Insulation?

The U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that homeowners could save about 15% on heating and cooling costs by sealing and insulating their homes.

According to Forbes, insulating an attic costs between $1 and $7 per square foot, with the total costs averaging $2,500. Decent attic insulation can last for 20-30 years and save $275- $330 of your yearly energy costs.

On the other hand, insulating cavity walls (two separate walls with a gap in between) could save you $124-$336 per year, depending on whether your house is mid-terrace, semi-detached or detached.

Solid floor insulation can shave between $247 and $632 off your annual energy bills, while timber floor insulation saves $110- $150 annually.

Insulation also pays off in improved home value. Consider also that residential energy efficiency improvements ( including insulation, roofs, and energy-efficient exterior door, skylights, and windows) qualify for a 10% credit to a maximum of $500.

Conejo Valley Home Services provides residential and commercial insulation services to clients in Southern California. We can install all types of insulation with maximum efficiency and quality, ensuring you enjoy maximum comfort and cost savings. Our Insulation services include blown-in cellulose, fiberglass, Rockwool, and radiant barrier installation for all types of buildings. Contact us today for a written quote.