Thinking of adding insulation to your home but not sure if
it’s the right decision? On average, you can expect to save 15 percent
on heating and cooling expenses, or an average of 11 percent on total
energy expenditures, by insulating your roof, the floors located over crawl
spaces, and accessible basement rim joists.
But saving on your heating and cooling costs aren’t the
only perks of upgrading your home’s insulation. Let’s take a look at some more
surprising benefits of insulating your home.
1. Improved Energy Efficiency
Saving
on heating and cooling costs isn’t just good for your pocket; it’s also good
for the planet. Without insulation, your home leaks a lot of energy. If your
ceiling or roof is inadequately insulated, you can lose around 5 percent of your cooling and heating
energy. A lack of wall insulation can make you lose up to 17 percent of
cooling and heating energy.
Reduced
energy usage means your HVAC system will burn less fossil fuel and release
fewer pollutants into the atmosphere such as carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide.
In addition, many insulation products are sustainable and recyclable. For
example, about 80 to 85 percent of cellulose insulation is
made up of recycled paper and newsprint. Spray foam insulation has no harmful
long-term emissions and easily expands into crevices and blocks air
infiltration. This allows your HVAC system to run more efficiently, helping to
reduce greenhouse gases.
For
optimal energy efficiency, your home should be properly insulated from the roof
down to its foundation.
2. Reduced Noise
Home
insulation is an effective way to reduce noise and soundproof your home.
It helps to block out external noises from entering the house, as well as
reduces the amount of noise that is generated within the house.
Insulation also
helps to absorb sound waves, which can reduce reverberation and echo in a room.
By using insulation, you can create a quieter and more peaceful environment in
your home.
3. Improved Comfort Level
Home
insulation helps to create a comfortable living space. You’ll enjoy consistent
indoor temperatures throughout the year, creating a more pleasant environment
for you and your family.
4. No Mold Damage
A lack of
insulation can cause condensation on the walls and ceilings of your home, which
can result in dampness and even cause mold growth over time. This can damage
the plaster, wallpaper, and paint in your home.
What’s more,
moisture in the house can negatively affect your health and cause or worsen
chronic health complications like asthma. Home insulation helps to prevent
condensation from occurring, saving your home from mold damage.
5. Cost Savings
While it might
not be the most unexpected benefit, the potential cost-savings of upgrading
your home’s insulation aren’t to be overlooked. What may be surprising is just
how much you could save.
In most parts of
the US, you can reduce utility bills by 10 to 20 percent just by insulating the exterior edge of your
concrete slabs. Additionally, proper insulation can help protect your
HVAC system from damage due to extreme temperatures. With the right insulation,
you can save money on both your energy bill and HVAC system maintenance costs.
You might even save yourself the cost of having to replace your HVAC system
prematurely.
6. Health Benefits
Reducing
condensation and preventing mold growth isn’t the only way that your home’s
insulation can help you stay healthy. Proper insulation can help to create a
seal within your home, blocking exterior allergens from getting in and
improving the air quality inside. This can help to reduce symptoms of asthma
and other respiratory illnesses.
Research shows that people living in well-insulated homes experience fewer illnesses and reduced
hospital admissions.
7. Increased Home Value
Home
insulation makes a property more appealing to potential buyers. It can also
help increase the value of a home, allowing you to sell it at a higher price
point in the future. As energy-efficient upgrades are in high demand,
homeowners who invest in a quality insulation product can often enjoy a
significant return on their investment.
According
to research by Freddie Mac, energy efficiency-rated houses are sold for 2.7 percent more as compared to unrated houses.
Being able to brag about efficiency in your real estate listing should
translate to a higher sale price.
Upgrade Your Home Insulation with Superior
Insulating your home can help you save money on energy
costs while also reducing your carbon footprint, keeping you healthy, and
increasing your home’s value. There are a variety of insulation materials and
methods that can be used to insulate your home, such as spray foam, fiberglass,
and cellulose insulation. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s
important to consider all of them before making a decision.
With the right insulation in place, you can make
sure you’re getting the most out of your energy usage and saving money in the
process. Not sure what product to use? Our home
insulation experts will be happy to help you make the right choice.
