Insulation
There are 46 Million under-insulated homes in the US - is yours one of them?
If your home is as little as 5 to 10 years old, you likely have one of the 46 million under-insulated homes in the US, according to the Harvard University School of Public Health.
Overall, heating and cooling account for 50%-70% of the energy used in the average home, as noted by the Department of Energy. The leading causes for energy loss in a typical home are not enough insulation and too much air leakage.
Insulation acts like a blanket on your home. When properly installed, it keeps the heat inside your home during winter, and the cool air inside during the summer.
Insulation helps you to have:
- Greater comfort
- More even temperature distribution
- Better moisture control, which can reduce floor squeaks, drywall cracks, structure damage and condensation
- Potential for increased resale value: Installing proper insulation levels can also make your home more attractive to potential buyers. In fact, many buyers list energy-efficiency as a prime consideration. The reason? Buyers know they can buy a more expensive home if heating and cooling bills can be kept down.
- A more environmentally friendly home
- Lower energy bills
One of the lowest cost options for improving the energy efficiency of your home is insulation. The using the correct levels of insulation in the attic area will typically give you the best savings, but it depends on your particular home. Insulation pays off quickly and keeps paying off with better comfort and energy savings for as long as you own your home.
At HomeEnergyMD, we take a whole house approach to your energy usage. Your home’s energy efficiency needs to be a balance between all of these elements:
- Insulation
- Air Sealing
- Moisture Control
- Ventilation
- Properly balancing these elements will help you have a more comfortable, healthier home to live in.
Depending On Your Test Results, Insulation Treatment Options May Include:
- Attic
- Walls
- Floors
- Crawl Spaces
- Basement
Most areas will be checked with a visual inspection. Other areas, like your walls, will be checked with an infrared camera to determine if insulation is present.
Insulation performance is measured by R-value — which measures its ability to resist heat flow. Higher R-values mean there is more insulating power. Different R-values are recommended for walls, attics, basements and crawlspaces, depending on your area of the country. Your HomeEnergyMD will prescribe what is recommended for Ohio.
Insulation works best when air is not moving through or around it. So, depending on your test results, your MD may recommend that we seal air leaks before installing insulation to ensure that you get the best performance from the insulation.
What Is Involved In Installing Insulation?
This procedure can typically be performed in a few hours.
Our Energy Management Technicians™ (EMTs) will come to your home at the scheduled time. They are professional, courteous and respectful of your home and your family.
Your EMTs will add the prescribed insulation such as cellulose, fiberglass, blanket wraps, foam or foam inserts with little interruption to your daily routine.
After they have completed the procedure, they will be sure to remove all tools, equipment and debris. Your EMTs will also clean-up the project area, including vacuuming as sweeping as needed.
Once your full Treatment Plan is complete, your MD will return and retest your home to confirm the work was done correctly and effectively.
The ability of insulation to limit air movement should not be confused with “air sealing”. The insulation reduces air movement only within the space it occupies. It will not reduce air movement through other cracks between building parts. For example, controlling air movement within a wall cavity will not stop air that leaks between the foundation and the sill plate or between the wall joists and a window frame.
