Now that we are moving into Autumn, it might be a good time to start thinking about keeping your home cozy this winter.
THE NUMBER ONE WAY TO ENSURE COMFORT
There are a number of things you can do to improve your home efficiency and prepare for the cold weather ahead. Adequate attic insulation is the number one way to increase the comfort of your home in winter and cut heating costs at the same time.
ATTIC INSULATION
Many homes in the Midwest are under-insulated according to the EPA. Recent studies recommend insulating your attic to at least an R49. That is a considerably higher grade of insulation compared to what most builders in the area included when homes were built (even recently built homes).
WHAT IS “R49”
R49 is a way of expressing a measure of heat resistance. The higher the number, the greater heat resistance.
WHY IS HEAT RESISTANCE IMPORTANT?
Insulation creates heat resistance; essentially insulation slows the rate heat will transfer into cold spaces (for example heat transfer up in to your cold attic or outdoors). The more resistant your insulation is, the longer heat is retained in living spaces. The longer heat is retained in living spaces, the less often you will need to reheat rooms, reducing the cost of keeping rooms comfortable.
Increasing insulation in your attic space can dramatically improve the comfort of your home and not only in winter. Insulation works in summers as well by keeping heat in the attic from transferring down into living spaces below.
Signs You May Need To Upgrade Your Attic Insulation:
- Certain rooms in your home heat slow in winter and cool slow in summer
- Your heating and cooling costs seem very high for the size of your home
- You haven’t inspected your insulation in years
- Your attic space is used for lots of storage (as boxes get shifted around, insulation can become compressed or uneven)
- You get ice dams (long icicles hanging from your gutters) in winter
If you need insulation, now is a great time to upgrade. Currently there is a Federal Tax credit – up to $500 for attic insulation upgrades. Learn more about it here.
Be sure to ask about our insulation fall special! Tell us you want “Buck’s Fall Deal” for an extra $100 off any attic insulation over 1000 sq. ft.
CALL US FOR A FREE ATTIC INSPECTION TODAY
If you are not sure if your attic has adequate insulation, call The Attic Experts today at 630.941.3800