If you found your house felt too cold and you broke into a sweat each time you had to face another energy bill, consider making an improvement by adding insulation.
How did you fare this winter? If you're a homeowner in a cold climate, the level of insulation in your home might have made a huge difference in your comfort and also in your pocketbook these past few months. If you found your house felt too cold and you broke into a sweat each time you had to face another energy bill, consider making an improvement by adding insulation.
Here are some tips on how to proceed:
Some municipalities, cities, states, the federal government and utility companies offer incentives and tax rebates when you purchase high-efficiency products and materials, says Daniel DiClerico, co-author of 'The Just Right Home.' Start by checking the U.S. Department of Energy’s database for state-specific tax credits, rebates and efficiency-related savings.
If you own an older home, consider a home energy audit to identify air leaks and areas where insulation may need improvement. Think of it as a physical exam for your house. An audit may include a blower door test, which uses a high-powered fan to lower the air pressure inside; the higher outside pressure then finds its way back in through unsealed openings and cracks, revealing your air leaks. A home energy audit will also examine existing insulation’s R-value, which is a measure of how well it resists heat — and cold — traveling through it.
Many contractors are capable and honest, but it helps to work with a contractor who is licensed, bonded and insured (make sure to ask for references). To find a home energy audit pro, try the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) and the Building Performance Institute (BPI) as starting points; in many cases, the same contractor who does your audit can also do the insulation work. Make sure to check with your electric or gas company, too, because many perform home energy audits — some even for free.
Contractors will use different materials, methods and amounts, depending on your area. Check Energy Star's recommendations on the levels of insulation for different climates and in different areas of your home.
Here's an overview of the different types of insulation:
Focus on where insulation needs beefing up or is missing (a home energy audit can help here). Many contractors suggest working from the top down, if your budget is tight:
Many do-it-yourself improvements can also increase your home's insulation. Caulking and weather stripping around windows, doors and thresholds; plugging light holes and plumbing gaps; installing storm windows; and adding a programmable thermostat to lower temperatures automatically are all good tactics.
Planting can help, too, says BPI-certified contractor Scott Fischer of Ciel Power in New Jersey: Shrubs and foundation materials can help diffuse wind, he says, while leafy trees on a south-facing lawn can help cut summer heat.
Take on your insulation project now while the winter chill is still fresh — and definitely before summer’s hot days, as good insulation helps keep your house cool, too.
This guest post comes from the editors of The Allstate Blog, which helps people prepare for the unpredictability of life.
Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of Zillow.
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