Insulation essentially blocks the flow of heat from warm areas to colder areas. This reduces the work required by your heating and cooling system to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Adding insulation to a home or business is one of the best ways to improve energy efficiency. It can also save money on utility bills and increase a property’s value.
Lower Energy Bills
Insulation prevents unwanted air movement and builds thermal resistance, so it reduces energy usage in your home. In fact, homeowners can save anywhere from 30 to 50% of their energy bills after insulating their homes with foam insulation.
Many homeowners choose to insulate their attics because this is where the majority of heat loss occurs. Adding attic insulation keeps the heat in your home during the winter and out during the summer, saving on heating and cooling costs.
Another area of the house where a lot of energy is wasted is the floors of the home. Most homes lose up to 15% of their heating and cooling energy through the floors. Insulating the floors with foam insulation helps keep more of the hot or cold air inside the home, saving on energy costs.
When a home is poorly insulated, HVAC systems have to work overtime to keep the home at a comfortable temperature. In addition, many energy companies provide rebates to encourage homeowners to improve their insulation.
Foam insulation is a one-time investment that won’t break down or sag over time like fiberglass and cellulose do, meaning you will continue to reap the benefits of lower utility bills for years to come. Considering that energy costs are on the rise, making sure your home is properly insulated today will help you prepare for higher utility rates in the future.
Better Indoor Air Quality
The air inside our homes can contain a wide variety of pollutants. These can include smoke and combustion by-products, indoor moisture, pests and pollen, as well as other environmental contaminants like dust mites and mold. Insulation helps to reduce these pollutants and improves indoor air quality, resulting in a more comfortable home year-round.
It’s estimated that insulation saves an average of 11% on home energy costs. This is because of the way it limits heat flow and stops unwanted air movement. In many cases, you’ll save more than the cost of your insulation in energy savings alone!
A poorly insulated home can have up to 30% of its energy bill wasted. That’s because warm air escapes your home in the winter and cool air sucks in during summer through tiny cracks and holes. Insulation is the most effective and economical method of reducing your energy bills, so it can help you pay for itself in just a few years.
The type of insulation you choose will depend on your needs and budget. Cellulose insulation is the most environmentally friendly choice because it contains at least 75 percent post-consumer paper, typically old newspaper. Another popular option is fiberglass insulation. It’s more affordable than cellulose, but it may require the use of personal protective equipment like gloves and masks during installation due to its irritant properties.
Increased Home Value
While the upfront cost of new insulation may be a turnoff to some homeowners, it doesn’t take long for this upfront investment to be completely recouped in terms of energy savings. It also adds a value to your home that can increase its marketability.
In the United States, heating and cooling account for about half of all household energy usage. This is mostly due to the fact that many homes are not properly insulated. This can be especially true for homes built before 1960.
Foam insulation is a great solution to insulating your home. As the foam expands, it seals off cracks and holes. This significantly decreases the amount of air that escapes, keeping your house warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Not only will a fresh layer of insulation reduce your electricity bills, but it will also help to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and improve the comfort of your space. It will also lessen the strain on your HVAC system and extend its lifespan.
A good place to start insulating your home is the attic, since this is where a lot of heat and air are lost. However, it is also important to remember that insulation can be used throughout your home. For example, insulating your basement rim joists will help to cut down on heating costs as well.
Increased Comfort
When a home is properly insulated, it will maintain comfortable indoor temperatures, no matter the weather outside. This reduces the workload on heating and cooling systems, resulting in energy savings and lower utility bills.
Insulation prevents unwanted air movement and builds thermal resistance to minimize the transfer of heat. During the winter, it will prevent cold air from entering and in the summer, it will reduce hot air from escaping. This can dramatically decrease the amount of energy needed to keep a home warm or cool, which in turn cuts utility costs.
Additionally, insulation improves comfort by reducing noise levels from the outside, inside and between rooms. It can also help limit condensation and moisture buildup in walls, which can lead to mold, mildew and other unpleasant conditions.
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that homeowners can save a national average of 11% on their energy bills by insulating their homes and sealing air leaks. RetroFoam of Michigan has seen customers in the Michigan and Toledo area save anywhere from 15 to 50 percent on their monthly energy bills, depending on several factors.
If you’re interested in learning more about how spray foam insulation can save you money and improve your home, contact us today for a free estimate. We’ve helped many homeowners in Michigan and Ohio improve their energy efficiency, save on utility bills and enjoy a more comfortable living environment.