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Rising energy costs and depleting energy resources have made people realize that they will not be able to do things the way they had in the past. They have realized that it is high time to bring about a change in their lifestyles, specifically when it comes to the generation and consumption of energy. In extremely cold conditions heating costs shoot up. To save money on heating costs, you should try to optimize your home insulation system. This will reduce your heating costs up to thirty percent and save precious energy resources as well.
Attic
The greatest loss of heat from the house is through the attic. If your attic is not properly insulated, first cover all the large open areas of the attic by blown-in installation using insulation material like fiberglass, mineral wool or any other suitable material. These materials can also be blanketed on the floor of the attic to decrease further heat loss. Usually R-38 material is used for insulation but the R value can vary according to the insulation needs of the house.
Ceilings and Walls
Ceilings and walls are also major players in heat loss at home. The small spaces between walls and the garage and joists in the ceilings are mostly left unattended by the construction company. A compressed fiberglass batt, depending on the size of the open space, can be used to fill up the joists and open spaces to reduce heat loss. Before insulating, ensure that your ceiling can support the weight of the installation material. If your ceilings are already insulated and you are just increasing the R-value, purchase the insulation material without the vapor barrier.
Windows and Doors
The spaces below doors are key places from where heat escapes the house. Using weather-stripping around the windows and under the doors works as a great sealant against the cold and prevents excessive heat loss. This reduces your electricity bill because your HVAC system uses less energy. You can also use curtains and blinds for effective insulation. Using thicker curtains on your windows will be more effective in insulating your house.
Basement
Often the basements and crawlspaces in our house have little openings that allow heat loss. Joists and crevices in basement walls and ceilings can be filled up using expansion foam or paper-faced insulation. This will also help secure your home against heat loss.
These insulation materials are easily available in the market, are relatively inexpensive and are easy to install. Insulating your home will reduce your heating bills significantly and keep your house warm for longer periods of time. Even though these are cost-effective ways of insulating your home, if not done properly, they can lead to moisture problems in the long run.
Author bio: Allan has been blogging about energy for quite some time. From renewable energies, to OO electric heaters’reviews, he has written numerous articles. When he is not blogging, Allan loves spending time with his family and friends.