How is your Home Performing?

Do you ever feel like you are heating the outdoors in the winter and cooling the outdoors in the summer? If you answered yes, then your insulation most likely needs inspecting. This may not be something you spend a lot of time thinking about, but it is important that your home is insulated and air sealed properly – just because you have insulation, does not mean you have the right amount or that it was installed correctly.

Insulation & R-Values

Insulation is measured in R-values – the higher the R-value, the better your walls and roof will resist the transfer of heat. The graph below illustrates the relationship between R Values and the corresponding heat costs. The graph also is calculating cost based off of natural gas, so if you are using propane or electricity it can be much more expensive than shown. You should check your insulation if: walls are cold to the touch, floors are cold, high heating costs, uneven heating levels, mold growing on walls or you simply feel uncomfortable in any way. Whether it is winter or summer, a properly insulated home will save you money and make your home more comfortable year round.

Air & Moisture Impacts

Even if you have the correct amount of insulation, all your best efforts can be undone if there are air or moisture leaks in your home – air infiltration is the leading cause of energy loss. It prevents your insulation from performing at its advertised level because it will make your insulation simply act as a filter when air travels through it leaving you with little to no insulation value. Sealing air leaks between attic stairs, knee walls, access doors, and rafters means cool air will not leak outside in the summer and warm air will not escape during the winter months.

Know your Home

If you talk to a contractor about insulating your home, be sure to ask about the R-value of the products they’re using, how they ensure that the area is air-sealed properly, that moisture issues are considered and addressed, and that the insulation is installed correctly to maximize it’s rated value and usefulness. Many contractors do not understand this, and not all contractors are created equal.

Energy Efficiency

It may be a surprise to you, but there are a number of homes that either do not have insulation or not enough. While previous generations may have been content to live in drafty houses, that isn’t the case today. Some benefits of having the proper amount of insulation are: lower energy bills, year-round comfort, less environmental impact, better resale value, and reduction of outside noise.

Want information regarding heating systems? Here’s a great blog article: https://www.northtwinbuilders.com/forced-air-system-vs-boiler-system

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