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Why You Need To Insulate
If you are cold and want to figure out some of the quickest ways to save money year round, you need to add insulation to your home. The United States Department of Energy (USDOE) states: "Heating and cooling account for 50 to 70% of the energy used in the average American home. Inadequate insulation and air leakage are leading causes of energy waste in most homes." So, bottom line is insulation:
- Will reduce your carbon footprint, save you money on your energy bill and reduce your reliance on fossil fuels
- will make your house more comfortable by helping to maintain a uniform temperature throughout the house, and
- Will make walls, ceilings, and floors warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Where You Will Place Insulation
- Attic spaces
- Attic access doors to unfinished attics
- Knee walls in finished attics
- Ducts in unconditioned spaces - Cathedral Ceilings - Exterior Walls - Floors above unheated garages - Foundations - Basements -Crawl spaces - Slab-on-grade floors Source: EERE Consumer's Guide to Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. If you're not sure where you should insulate, see the United States Department of Energy (USDOE) information on adding insulation to an existing home or selecting insulation for new home construction. Now, let's talk about the carbon footprint reduction through using insulation. Given that: The Earth's climate has changed many times during the planet's history, with events ranging from ice ages to long periods of warmth. Natural factors such as volcanic eruptions, changes in the Earth's orbit, and varying energy from the Sun have affected the Earth's climate. Beginning late in the 18th century, human activities associated with the Industrial Revolution have also changed the composition of the atmosphere and therefore very likely are influencing the Earth's climate. Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency. By reducing your reliance on energy and/or switching to green energy you will reduce your carbon footprint. Let's talk about the energy costs you WILL save with Insulation. The US Department of Energy Long-Term Savings Tip is: One of the most cost-effective ways to make your home more comfortable year-round is to add insulation to your attic."The amount of energy saved is based on a variety of "factors". Some are: 1) Where you live 2) The size of your home 3) When it was built, living habits, the type of heating and cooling systems, and the fuel you use.The amount of energy you conserve will depend on several factors: your local climate; the size, shape, and construction of your house; the living habits of your family; the type and efficiency of the heating and cooling systems; and the fuel you use. However, I just have started insulating my attic last weekend and have insulated my kitchen and bathrooms. Once I start to see savings in the next energy bill from the attic, I will report back the findings! Read more in the USDOE Consumer Guide to Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy For Home Energy Audits.
