The Top 7 Places to Insulate in Your Home for Higher Energy Efficiency
There are many areas of your home that you can insulate in order to improve energy efficiency. In this blog post, we will discuss the top seven places that you should focus on. By following these tips, you can save yourself a lot of money on your energy bill each month!
1. The attic
Most people don’t think twice about their attic insulation. However, if you want your home to be energy-efficient, it’s important to make sure your attic is well insulated. When beginning a remodel project, be sure to look into areas you can add insulation with these home remodel tips. One of the best ways to do this is to add blown-in insulation. This type of insulation provides a higher level of R-value, which means it will better protect your home from heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. In addition, blown-in insulation is less likely to settle over time, so you can be confident that your attic will be well protected for years to come. If you’re not sure how much insulation you need, consult a professional for help. With the right level of insulation, you can enjoy lower energy bills and more comfortable home all year round.
2. Basement
If you’re looking for a way to save on your energy bill, insulating your basement is a great place to start. By keeping the heat in and the cold out, you can make your home more comfortable and reduce your reliance on heating and cooling systems. In addition, insulation can help to protect your basement from moisture damage, mold, and mildew. Before starting any job, you will want to check for mold. If you are to find some, you will know there is some water getting into your basement. In this case, look to hire a company that specializes in basement waterproofing in Metro East, or waterproofing wherever you are based, to ensure the issues stop there. By waterproofing your basement, you’re preventing any further water damage and mold from returning. You will want to know the proper way of how to use a mold test kit so that the test is accurate. Once you have completed the test, if mold is present, you will need to handle the mold first before insulating your basement. If it is negative for mold, it is time to move on with the proper materials for a basement. There are a number of different insulation materials on the market, so it’s important to choose one that is appropriate for your climate and home. For example, foam boards are a good choice for homes in colder climates, while fiberglass batts are more suitable for homes in warmer regions. Once you’ve selected the right material, you can install it yourself or hire a professional to do the job. Either way, you’ll be glad you took the time to insulate your basement when winter comes around.
3. Walls
Most of us think about insulation as something we put in our attic, but it’s just as important to insulate your walls. Not only will this make your home more energy-efficient, but it can also help to reduce noise pollution from outside. There are a few different ways to insulate your walls, and the best option for you will depend on the type of construction of your home. For example, if you have a brick or stone house, you can install external wall insulation. This involves adding an extra layer of material to the outside of your walls, which will help to keep heat in and noise out. Alternatively, if you have a wooden frame house, you can add insulation between the studs in your walls. This is generally done with fiberglass insulation, which is easy to install and relatively inexpensive. Whichever method you choose, insulating your walls is a great way to improve the energy efficiency of your home.
4. Windows
Windows are a necessary part of any home, but they can also be a big source of energy loss. In the winter, heat escapes through drafty windows, and in the summer, cool air conditioning can leak out. One way to improve energy efficiency is to insulate your windows. There are a number of ways to do this, including weather-stripping, caulking, and installing window film. Adding blinds and curtains to your windows also helps keep the outdoor air from leaking into the home as it creates a barrier between the window and the inside of your home. Similarly, shutters can provide a more solid barrier, making them perfect for more extreme climates. Even if you have round windows, you can still get Custom Shutters designed to fit perfectly. Insulating your windows can help to keep your home comfortable year-round while reducing your energy bills.
5. Doors
Most homes have a lot of doors, and they can be big energy wasters. Heat escapes through gaps around doors, and cold air sneaks in the same way. That means your furnace or air conditioner has to work harder to keep your home comfortable, driving up your energy bills. But you can stop all that wasted energy by adding some simple door insulation. There are two main ways to insulate doors: You can add weatherstripping around the door to seal off any gaps. Or you can install a door sweep on the bottom of the door to block drafts. Either way, you’ll see a difference in your energy bills and your home will be more comfortable all year round. So take a few minutes to insulate your doors and start saving money today.
6. Water heater
By insulating the area under your water heater, you can help to reduce heat loss and raise the temperature of the water, both of which will save energy. In addition, insulating your water heater can help to prevent freezing in cold weather, further improving its efficiency.
7. Crawl Space
Many homeowners don’t realize that their crawl space can have a big impact on their home’s energy efficiency. By insulating your crawl space, you can help to keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. This can be a particularly helpful measure if you have an older home with poor insulation. In addition to insulating your crawl space, there are a few other things you can do to make your home more energy-efficient. For example, sealing any gaps or cracks in your walls and floors can help to prevent heat loss. Be sure to check the insulation every few months as it is common for snakes and mice to get under the home and knock down some of the insulation (although this can be mitigated as best as possible with the help of someone like this company offering crawl space encapsulation in Charleston, SC).
Conclusion
Making your home more energy-efficient doesn’t have to be a big project. There are a number of small things you can do that will make a big difference in how much energy your home uses. By insulating your basement, walls, windows, doors, water heater, and crawl space, you can help to reduce heat loss and save money on your energy bills. So take a few minutes to make your home more energy-efficient and start saving money today.
Infographic Provided By Solar Panel Installation Company, Sunburst Solar
I never thought about insulating under my water heater to prevent heat loss. My partner and I are worried that our house isn’t as insulated as it needs to be. So we’re looking at getting a professional over to inspect where might need more insulation.