7 Ways your Home’s Insulation Can Affect your Energy Bill

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Home InsulationYou probably already know that insulation is an important part of every home. It keeps your home warm in the winter and cools in the summer, whether your furnace or your AC is running. If your energy bill has been high, you may have insufficient insulation, or you could be in need of Greensboro AC repair. 

Wondering if insulation, or lack of sufficient insulation, maybe the culprit? Here are 7 ways your home’s insulation can affect your energy bill. 

Insufficient Insulation can Lower Energy-Efficiency

If any area of your home is not sufficiently insulated, outside air can seep in and inside air (the conditioned air you don’t want to lose) can seep out. These are the most common areas where the air is getting in or out, causing energy loss. 

 

  • Attic. The attic is one of the most common areas of the home where sufficient insulation is very important. Many attics are ventilated in order to protect the roof, meaning outside air flows freely in and out. Insulation is installed between the attic floor and the ceiling below to prevent the outside air from seeping into the living areas of the home and to prevent loss of conditioned air. 
  • Walls. Insufficient insulation in exterior walls can allow air to seep in and out, making it difficult for your furnace or AC to maintain the desired indoor temperature. This causes your HVAC system to use more energy, making your bill higher. 
  • Floor. Whether your home is on a slab, crawlspace, or basement foundation, a lot of warmth can be lost through the floor and a lot of cold can seep in. Insulation in the floor is just as important as the other areas of your home. 
  • Crawlspace. Even if your floor is well insulated, a lot of air can get in or out through the crawlspace. Consider having your crawlspace sealed and well insulated to save energy and lower your monthly bill. 
  • Doors and Windows. Weatherstripping around doors is another type of insulation to keep air from seeping in and out through cracks between your door and the frame. Double-pane insulated windows prevent cold and heat from getting in through the glass. Properly insulated windows and doors can noticeably lower your energy bill. 
  • Basement. A basement is often cooler because it’s below ground level. The cold is good in the summer, but not so much in the winter. Sufficient insulation and basement sealing can keep both cold and moisture out of your basement, which in turn keeps it from rising up into the main level of your home. 
  • Ductwork. Leaky or poorly insulated ductwork can have a significant effect on the efficiency of your HVAC system. When the air is heated or cooled it is then blown through the ducts and out through the vents into your home. If the ducts are leaky or the insulation is weak you could be losing a lot of conditioned air and getting a lot of unwanted outside air blown into your home. Your HVAC system then has to work harder to achieve a comfortable indoor temperature, essentially fighting a losing battle. Greensboro AC repair services can inspect your ductwork and make any necessary corrections. 

 

Get a Free Home Energy Audit from Berico Heating and Air

If you feel that your energy bills are abnormally high, you are an ideal candidate for a free energy audit. Berico can inspect your home’s insulation and HVAC system to identify areas that could be more energy-efficient. Greensboro AC repair and some insulation upgrades may be all you need to lower your bills and have more money each month. Call Berico today to schedule your free energy audit: (336) 273-8663.