Why You Should Insulate For Summer

Keeping warm in winter is something we have to do in the north, but in the south they need to keep cool. Even though we in the north don’t consider insulating to keep cool, those in the south don’t usually consider it to keep warm. Proper insulation is needed in both climates. It was thought that a return on investment was negligible compared to a short season of cold temps, yet no one seemed to consider that adequate insulation would help defray the high costs of air conditioning as well as heat. We tend to insulate more in the north, but most homes everywhere need more insulation.

The 100-degree temperatue we experienced this week is a perfect example why us northern folks benefit from added insulation during a heat wave. If we know that insulating a beer can with a Koosie works, then we should know that, when you insulate a house, it works similarly, keeping the inside cool during hot months and warm during cold ones. Energy is needed for both heating and cooling. Properly installed insulation saves energy, period. In the long run, it’s cheaper to invest in insulation than to pay higher prices year after year to keep living space comfortable.

Insulation Slows Down The Transfer of Heat

We insulate to keep the heat from getting into the house during summer as well as keeping it from moving out of the house during winter, and close off avenues of escape with caulk or other products. In other words, we trap the conditioned air as long as possible. That keeps the house comfortable longer and saves lots of money!

Most Homes Need an Energy Upgrade

One of the ways we can find out how and where to stop energy loss is to obtain an energy audit. (Information link provided below) An audit will identify where the energy loss takes place and recommend a fix, avoiding the shotgun-insulate-everything-approach, unless necessary. Then you can decide if the job is easy enough for you as a homeowner to do or if a professional is needed.

http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/energy_audits/index.cfm/mytopic=11160

Insulation Season is Almost Here.

It’s difficult to insulate your home in mid-summer. Nevertheless, it would be a good idea to start thinking and pricing now. There are a number of products and applications to choose from – rolled or batt stapled-on fiberglass, blown-in cellulose, mineral wool or fiberglass, and also several types of sprayed-on foam. Accessibility might dictate the type of product or application to use, but all insulation will slow down the transfer of heat making its way in or out of the house.

September would be the ideal time if you are willing to do the work yourself. If you are not, you might want to contact several insulation contractors for a price before they’re too busy.

Be warmer this winter and nice and c-o-o-l next summer. Insulate!