When you’re scrolling the internet looking for before and after photos of home projects, you might not pause to “ooh and aah” while checking out new insulation. But trust me, I’ve learned firsthand as the new owner of a fixer upper (and as a guy who is invested in DIY) that insulation matters!
An under insulated or leaky home can cost you money. As conditioned air floats away in either the summer or the winter, your hard-earned cash floats away right along with it.
Looking for the first target in improving your home’s insulation and energy efficiency? The attic is easy to access and it makes a big impact quickly.
TAKE A LOOK AT MY HOUSE
Check out the before and after images of our insulation project.
Before with loose pink insulation
After with the white mats
You’ll notice that the original insulation was barely deep enough to cover the 2"x4"s of the roof trusses. We put in R-38 matting right on top of the existing insulation and the matting now stands 6" or more above the trusses.
Improving insulation is an extremely effective way to cut costs. The materials is relatively inexpensive and because the labor is not skilled, any homeowner can quickly learn how to install insulation and complete the project in as little as a day.
Learn more about installing your own attic insulation here.
LOOKING FOR OTHER COST-EFFECTIVE WAYS TO BETTER INSULATE YOUR HOME?
Take some time to assess how your home might passively waste energy “behind your back.” Check walls, windows and doors that might allow air to escape. These leaks most often occur around windows and doors, at mail slots, points of entry for utility lines or wiring, outdoor faucets or vents and air conditioning units.
Cracks or gaps are not uncommon and although that little leak might not seem like much, the cumulative effect of leaking air can really add up. It’s an inexpensive repair that yields significant savings!
SEAL THOSE GAPS. IT’S AS EASY AS PIE!
Use caulk to seal any cracks or gaps measuring less than ¼-inch wide and polyurethane foam sealant for larger ones.
To minimize leakage around doors and windows, install weatherstripping. Open-cell foams are inexpensive and easy to apply but are mostly suitable for low-traffic areas. Vinyl is more expensive and lasts longer. Metals last for years and provide a decorative element for older homes.
Don’t forget to check the sweeps at the bottoms of all exterior doors take time to seal any gaps you might find there.
TAKEAWAY
Take charge of your home’s insulation. A few simple changes can really help your pocketbook AND can help you feel more comfortable in your home during any season of the year.
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