Do I need Insulation?
High heating bills, drafty rooms and ice dams could be a sign that your home needs
insulation. During our home insulation inspection, one of our energy consultants will
come to your home to assess your insulation needs. We will complete a thorough inspection
of wall and attic insulation and make recommendations for needed improvements.
Common Signs of Inadequate Insulation
- Do you have ice dams, icicles, roof "hot spots", high heating bills, high cooling bills or drafty walls?
- Does your furnace seems to run non-stop in the winter, and your air conditioning run constantly all summer?
If you answered YES to either question your
insulation levels may be inadequate. Re-insulating your home is one of the fastest and most
cost-efficient ways to reduce energy waste and lower your energy bills.
 The snow on this roof has melted except for the cold outermost edges around the
eaves, creating icicles and ice dams. Notice the unheated garage roof is still full of snow.
The neighbors house apparently has adequate levels of insulation as they have no sign of snow melt.
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This home has major ice dams that are blocking the front entrance. Sealing attic
bypasses and insulating to proper levels would stop this problem, and the heating bills for this
home would be considerably reduced.
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The Ins and Outs of Insulation
Did you know that the average family spends close to $1,300 a year on their home's
utility bills? Unfortunately, a large portion of that energy is wasted through poor
insulation. Checking your home's insulation system is one of the fastest and most
cost-efficient ways to reduce energy waste and maximize your energy dollars. You
probably should insulate if you:
- have an older home and haven't added insulation. In a recent survey,
only 20% of homes built before 1980 were well insulated.
- are uncommonly cold in the winter or hot in the summer; adding
insulation creates a more uniform temperature and increases comfort.
- build a new house or addition, or install new siding or roofing.
- pay excessive energy bills.
- are bothered by noise from the outdoors; insulation helps to muffle sound.
- are concerned about the effect of energy use on the environment.
How Does Air Escape From The Home?
- Source: US Department of Energy
Relief For Your Heating & Cooling System
When you re-insulate not only will you save money on utility bills - you will also save on the cost of original and
replacement equipment (since you will need smaller capacity systems) and maintenance. Cellulose
insulation does such a good job protecting your home from the weather that your heating and cooling
system:
- can be downsized
- will last longer
- will run less
- will require less maintenance
Which Energy Saving Improvements
Should You Choose?
| Energy Saving Improvements |
Typical Payback Years |
| Attic/Ceiling Insulation |
3 - 7 Years |
| Wall Insulation |
6 - 12 Years |
| Floor Insulation |
2 - 5 Years |
| Window Replacement |
15 - 30 Years |
| Seal Large Air Leaks |
1 - 2 Years |
| Seal Small Air Leaks |
1 - 2 Years |
| Seal Ducts |
1 - 2 Years |
| Storm Windows |
4 - 10 Years |
| Setback Thermostat |
1 - 2 Years |
| Energy-saving Showerhead |
1 - 3 Years |
| Insulate Water Heater |
1 - 2 Years |
| Landscaping |
7 - 10 Years |
| Heating Tune-up |
1 - 3 Years |
| Heating System Replacement |
5 - 20 Years |
Here Are The Most Cost-Effective
Energy Saving Improvements You Can Make:
- Sealing Major Air Leaks
- Insulating
- Improving Heating System Efficiency
- Installing Hot Water Energy Savers
- Improving Door Windows and Doors
- Purchasing New Energy-Efficient Appliances
- Reduce The Need For Air Conditioning Through Landscaping, Proper Maintenance Of Cooling
Equipment And Energy-Wise Habits
Houle Insulation Inc.
Our Specialty is Your Existing Home!®
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