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Reduce High Energy Bills
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By Dave Rongey
Summary: Checking your home's insulation is one of the fastest and most cost-efficient ways to use a whole-house approach to reduce energy waste and make the most of your energy dollars. |
Insulate Your Home Against High Energy Bills
A good insulating system can help keep your home warm during winter and cool during summer.
Check the insulation in your attic, ceilings, exterior and basement walls, floors, and crawl spaces to see if it meets the levels recommended for your area.
(Insulation is measured in R-values — the higher the R-value, the better your walls and roof will resist the transfer of heat.) Consider factors such as your climate, building design, and budget when selecting insulation R-value.
The easiest and most cost-effective way to insulate your home is to add insulation in the attic.
Check out Insulation and Air Sealing for more tips.
Insulation and Sealing Air Leaks
A good insulating system includes a combination of products and construction techniques that protect a home from outside temperatures—hot and cold, protect it against air leaks, and control moisture. You can increase the comfort of your home while reducing your heating and cooling needs by up to 10% by investing in proper insulation and sealing air leaks.
Should I Insulate My Home?
The answer is probably "yes" if you:
- Have an older home and haven't added insulation. Only 20% of homes built before 1980 are well insulated.
- Are uncomfortably cold in the winter or hot in the summer—adding insulation creates a more uniform temperature and increases comfort.
- Build a new home, addition, or install new siding or roofing.
- Pay high energy bills.
- Are bothered by noise from outside—insulation muffles sound.
Where to Insulate
Adding insulation in the areas shown above may be the best way to improve your home's energy efficiency.
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