Like most expenses, energy costs tend to increase over time. Savvy homeowners can defray some of these costs by improving their insulation. Better insulation will help your home lose less heat during the wintertime, and during the summertime, your home will be better at keeping cool.
How Your Insulation and HVAC System Work Together
On average, heating and cooling costs make up 50 to 70 percent of the energy a typical American household uses. To lower your bill, you need to reduce air leakage, insulate your home, and maintain or update your heating and cooling (HVAC) system.
In many cases, you can immediately lower your energy bills by getting your current HVAC system serviced by a technician or by installing a more efficient system than the one you own. An energy-smart HVAC equipment will heat and cool your home with the lowest electrical costs. When you insulate your home as well, your HVAC system will require less energy to keep your home at your ideal temperature. This translates into lower energy costs.
Insulation in Newer Homes Versus Older Homes
If you live in a new home, you will probably have decent insulation already because building energy codes are stricter today than they used to be. Meanwhile, older homes may still have outdated, inefficient insulation. If you’re not sure what type of insulation you own, it’s best to consult an expert, especially if your home may contain asbestos.
Even if you own a new home, you still may not have the optimal insulation for it. The United States Department of Energy has a ZIP-Code Insulation Program that will tell you how much insulation you need for your area. In addition, it will show you the costs and how long it will take to earn those costs back.
While it is theoretically possible to choose the do-it-yourself route for insulation installation, you will most likely want a professional to put the material in place. Other than safety risks and health hazards, there are a lot of technical skills you will need to have. Besides that, replacing your insulation is a lot of work. With the help of a professional, you can determine the best insulation type and placement for your home.
If your heating and cooling bills have been increasing, your HVAC system is probably overdue for some maintenance. Contact our friendly technicians at Monarch Home Services today to schedule a service appointment for your HVAC equipment.