In the winter you crank up the thermostat so the furnace keeps you warm. In the summer, when it’s hot and humid outside, your turn it down so you feel cool inside. You are aware that for every degree you are adjusting that dial, you are adding dollars to the electric bill that will eventually need to be paid. But what choice do you have? Your house doesn’t seem to be as cool as or warm as it should be given the temperature you set it to?
There is a very efficient and effective way to make sure that your energy bills don’t take such a big bite out of your budget- add more energy efficient insulation to your attic!
My attic has insulation, why would I add more?
Cellulose settles faster and some homes did not have enough of it to begin with. If you home was built before 1978, and you have not had it replaced, chances are the insulation in your attic is not as fire retardant or effective as it is today. The Federal Government did not start regulating insulation standards until that time. They did so as a way of controlling the quality of the product for settled density, corrosiveness, critical radiant flux and smoldering combustion. Another regulation that was passed placed clear limitations on the manufacturers and the R-Value Rule claim.
Cellulose insulation protects your home against fire because of its denseness and the fact that it does not allow oxygen to pass through it easily (oxygen is necessary to keep a fire burning). If cellulose does not allow oxygen through don’t you think it would be a great barrier for your home to heat and cold as well?
How much attic insulation to do I need?
Cellulose has an R-Value of 3.6- 3.8 per inch. In Missouri, an R-49 is recommended for your attic which equates to 13 or more inches of blown cellulose insulation should be present on the floor. If you don’t have at least that much, you are losing money by not having your home properly insulated! How do you save money of your heating and cooling bills? Get more insulation!
How much will I save by adding more insulation?
Depending on your home’s original walls, the weather, and the efficiency of your HVAC system, the average cost savings is anywhere from 20-50% on your utility bills! That’s a good reason to go up to your attic and evaluate how much you have and what kind of shape it is in. You can also call your local professional, Murray Insulation, for their expert advice. Saving money is important and you can save 20- 50% on your utility bills by adding more cost effective insulation. Your wallet will get the benefit of your insulation year round and year after year!
I certainly do not like to pay more for something than necessary! Seems like many newer homes don’t have enough insulation in the attics. Increasing the insulation put in by the builder sounds like a really smart idea!
Increasing your insulation is not only a great idea for energy efficiency and savings on your bills, but it can also prolong the life of your air conditioner and/or furnace. These systems have to work harder and longer when insulation is inefficient. Getting an insulation evaluation is a great idea for any homeowner – it can benefit you in so many ways!