Six Ways to Insulate Your Home and Improve Energy Efficiency
Learn how to cut down on energy costs this season with these efficient home insulation tips from NRG.
Home insulation tips to help you save on energy costs
Insulation is one of the most important factors when it comes to your home’s energy efficiency. Without proper insulation, your HVAC systems could be working overtime to maintain your home at a comfortable temperature. Read on for a few tips on how to insulate your home and reduce energy costs any season of the year.
Windows and doors
Some of the most obvious signs of an improperly insulated home are rattling windows and visible gaps around doors. Apply weatherstripping or foam tape around windows and doors and fill gaps with gap filler or temporary caulking to prevent drafts.
Interior walls
Ensuring your interior walls are properly insulated is one of the most important aspects of controlling the temperature in your home. You can check if your walls are insulated by shining a flashlight into the crack around an outlet box (after switching the power to the outlet off).
Attic
The main site of heat loss is through the top of a house, so insulating your attic is essential to keeping heat in. The attic is perhaps the easiest place to replace insulation if you’re looking for an upgrade. Besides fiberglass insulation, aerogel, denim and even sheep’s wool are sustainable alternatives.
Basement or crawl space
Upgrading insulation levels in your basement can help you save on energy costs. Insulating the foundation walls and the floor will keep your basement warmer in winter and cooler in summer, and could help reduce carbon emissions from furnaces and boilers.
Flooring
Air moves in all directions, so it’s important to insulate everything, including floors. Underfloor insulation helps eliminate drafts, prevent heat loss and keep pipes from freezing. This type of insulation is best for homes that are raised above the ground, with either a crawl space or basement underneath.
Ductwork
Heat loss through duct walls can drain your system of energy, leading to higher energy bills. Consider insulating your ductwork to reduce heat loss and prevent ducts from "sweating" when A/C is running. Insulating ducts is usually cost-effective and pays for itself in the long run.
*Consult a professional before making any installations to your home or yard.
