Brutal Michigan winters can take a heavy toll on your power bill from running the thermostat. A proven way to save money on your electric bill is to check the insulation in your home. With fall quickly approaching, now is the ideal time to check if you need more insulation. You can do this yourself, here’s what you need to know:
There are three basic common items used to insulate a home: fiberglass, cellulose and spray foam. Fiberglass looks strikingly like cotton candy and is typically sold in pre-cut rolls; its optimal placement is in dry locations. Cellulose is mainly recycled newsprint. Cellulose is environmentally friendly, is best suited for cold environments, and is typically sprayed onto gaps that need sealing. Lastly, spray foam is a great option for sealing irregular areas and preventing leaks.
Now that you know what materials you will be working with, the next step is sealing your home. One important spot to check is your ductwork. These typically run through the attic, crawlspace or basement. Spray foam or metal-backed tape is the recommended item to use on the holes you find. By sealing up your heating and cooling ducts, you can save up to 20 percent on energy costs.
Next you want to seek out and seal any drafty spots that may be lurking in your home. These draft hot-spots can be found around windows and doors, plumbing, and baseboards. If you see dirty spots on your insulation material, this could indicate a leak. Spray foam or caulking will do a fine job of sealing these gaps once you find them.
Locating all the leaks in your home can be overwhelming. It is always important to obtain professional advice and assistance if you feel you need more insulation. For more expert advice regarding insulation in your home and other issues related to home comfort, contact us at Aladdin Heating and Cooling. We’ve been serving the Southwest Michigan area since 1945, from Farmington to Westchester Hills.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Warren, Michigan about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about insulation and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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