By the time March rolls around, the allure of a winter wonderland here in central New York has faded for most homeowners. A yearning for sunshine, the smell of flowers blooming, and a slow fade of high heating costs return as spring shows up on the horizon — and while the team at Energy Savers might not be able to shorten how long the winters are here in the Syracuse area, we can certainly do something to reduce those high heating costs when winter rolls around again! Here’s how better insulation can reduce the sting of energy bills.
Why You May Have High Energy Costs
When the temperatures start to plummet in the fall, the way to keep your home warm is relatively simple – walk over to the thermostat and switch to “heat” or throw a log or two on the fireplace. But many homeowners may not realize that the heat from a furnace, heat pump, or boiler can easily escape through tiny holes and cracks in the home, and also through a process called conduction. Conduction, in relation to home comfort, is when the heat in your home comes in contact with the external walls, the floor, and the ceiling, and moves through those building materials only to escape into unconditioned areas or outside.
This also applies to the cool air from your AC in the winter — meaning your home will lose cold air coming from an air conditioner, and replace it with hot summer air.
In short, the more heat your home loses, the harder your heating system has to work to replace that heat and keep your home at a steady temperature.
How Insulation Saves Energy
The reason to have insulation in your home is to slow down the conduction transfer described above, which keeps more of the air from your heating and cooling system inside your home longer, reducing the heating and cooling load on your system. The less you can run your systems, the less fuel or electricity you will use, which results in lower bills all year long.
The Benefits of New Insulation
Upgrading your home insulation by removing the old material and replacing it with new, professionally installed material can have significant benefits:
- According to the EPA, upgrading your home insulation, along with air sealing, can result in an average annual saving of 16% on your heating and cooling bills.
- A home that uses less energy throughout the year is also shown to increase its resale value. In some studies, the amount spent on insulation upgrades is surpassed by the increase in home resale value by well over 100%. That’s an impressive rate of return on insulation!
- A well insulated home will feel more comfortable, with consistent temperatures throughout the indoor living space and much fewer drafts.
Call Energy Savers for Insulation Upgrades in Syracuse
If you’re looking to increase your energy efficiency, taking the first step is easy. Schedule an energy audit today and discover where your insulation is performing poorly through a series of building science-based tests including thermal infrared imaging and blower door testing. With Energy Savers, you can maximize your return on investment for home performance upgrades. This ensures that the money you invest in insulation installation with our company will bring you the most value for your home.
