February, 2004
Insulating
Your Home
We may not be able to recall
just how cold it was this winter by the time the summer heat sets in, but
our checkbooks will still bear the scars of a painful energy bill season. So
how do you prevent the winter wind from shaking your money tree bare?
Proper insulation of your home is often overlooked in favor of “turn out the
lights” or “turn off the water while brushing your teeth.” While every
penny counts, the single most important aspect to saving energy is proper
insulation of your home.
What is R-Value?
R-value is a measure of thermal resistance, which basically means how
well a material holds back heat. Insulation products are measured in
R-value; the higher the better. The R-value of a concrete block is one,
while the R-value of the average insulated attic is 20. If you’re interested
in calculating the recommended R-value of your home, the U.S. Department of
Energy lists a ZIP code insulation calculator on
its website.
Efficient Space Conditioning
Heating your home in the winter and air conditioning your home in the summer
is generally grouped into one category “space conditioning” while discussing
energy saving. Space conditioning costs rise in the winter due to inadequate
insulation and the allowance of warm air to escape the home; and vice versa
in the summer. It is significantly easier to determine if your home is in
need of additional insulation in the winter than the summer. In the winter,
the difference in temperature between the outside air and conditioned air
inside is much greater, depending on where you live.
Space conditioning starts with insulating your attic as most air leaks occur
throughout the attic space. Once your attic is properly insulated it is also
important to ensure that wall and floor insulation is keeping your heat and
air conditioning in as well. As cost is always a consideration, rest easy,
the money you save on space conditioning costs will eventually pay for
insulation fees.
Click here for further information on saving money and energy from the
U.S. Department of Energy's Web site.
Contributed by Brian Lynch
Relocation Account Executive
U.S. Inspect, LLC
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