When it comes to keeping your home comfortable year-round, an overlooked and unsung hero is your insulation. It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to save energy and cut down your utility bills. Yet many homeowners only think about insulation in their walls. The truth is, the insulation in your attic, basement, and even around your home’s ductwork are just as critically important as the insulation in your walls.
At its core, insulation is the barrier that slows the transfer of heat. In winter, it is designed to keep the warm air inside. In summer, it helps block the outside heat from coming in. The effectiveness of insulation is measured by its R-value, and put simply, the higher the number, the better it is at slowing that transfer of heat. Different parts of your home may require different R-values depending on the location, the climate, and construction.
Additionally, if your home is properly insulated, it can reduce the strain on your heating and cooling systems and possibly increase the longevity of your equipment. It also helps maintain steadier indoor temperatures. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, adding insulation and performing other home maintenance, like sealing leaks, can save homeowners up to 15% on heating and cooling costs.
Attic insulation is where heat escapes fastest
Your attic is one of the most common places for energy loss, simply due to the way heat rises. If your insulation levels are too low, or if the R-value of your insulation is insufficient, the warm air from your heating system will escape quickly, especially in the winter. And in the summer, hot air will seep in and penetrate your home quicker.
A simple rule of thumb to follow when looking at your attic insulation is, if you can see the floor joists in your attic, you probably need more insulation. Try adding fiberglass “batts” or blown-in cellulose as a straightforward way to cut down on wasted energy, while also improving your comfort.
Basement and crawl spaces create drafty homes
At first glance, it may seem unlikely, but basements and crawl spaces are another weak spot in many homes when it comes to efficiency. These areas are often below grade (any part of the building that’s below ground) or along the foundation. Because they are below ground, that makes them a natural entry point for cold air, moisture, and even pests. Without insulation, that cold air will often sneak in, which creates drafts and uneven temperatures in the rooms above.
Insulating the joists that sits right above your home’s foundation wall, basement walls, or crawl space floors helps create a barrier against these problems. In basements, rigid foam board or spray foam insulation is commonly used to seal out drafts and moisture. If you have a crawl space, you may also want to consider a vapor barrier to keep humidity levels in check to improve your comfort level and help protect the structure of your home.
Insulating your ductwork can deliver heat more efficiently
If it feels like your HVAC system just isn’t working as efficiently as it could, it might not be the system, but instead it could be that your home has insufficient insulation around the ductwork. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, leaky or uninsulated ductwork can waste 20–30% of heated air before it ever reaches your living space. The good news is that ductwork can be insulated with materials made specifically for the job.
Homeowners have several options to cover ductwork with insulation, including foil-backed fiberglass wrap, rigid foam board, or pre-formed sleeves that slide over the ducts, themselves. These materials help reduce heat loss in the winter and keep cooled air from warming up in the summer.
The Bottom Line
Insulation may not be something you notice every day, but it’s the silent workhorse that is always working in the background to reduce energy usage and helps you save on utility costs.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’re unsure where to start, a professional energy audit can pinpoint the best improvements for your home. Visit the South Jersey Gas Energy Efficiency Programs page to explore rebates and resources for insulation upgrades.
