The vast majority of homes in Orange County are under-insulated. Installing new insulation in your home can provide a wide range of benefits from enhanced comfort levels to short and long-term savings.
What is Home Insulation and How Does it Work?
Home insulation is a product that aims to reduce the transfer of heat into and out of your home by trapping tiny pockets of air to slow down the movement of heat.
Heat Flow
As the name suggests, heat flow is the flow of heat into and out of a home. Insulation is used to prevent heat flow from vulnerable areas like:
- Attics
- Ceilings
- Floors
- Windows
- Basements
R-Value
R-value is the system used to rate the quality of insulation and describes how well an insulation system resists heat flow. A higher R-value means better heat flow resistance, and, therefore, better insulation.
Image via thisoldhouse.com
Do You Need New Insulation?
The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association estimates that 90% of single-family homes in the United States are under-insulated, and homes in Orange County are no exception to this. While most homes have at least some insulation, many of them do not have enough insulation or haven’t been re-insulated in many years leaving them more vulnerable to heat flow problems.
Benefits of New Insulation in Orange County
Since there’s a good chance your home falls in the 90% that are under-insulated, it’s worth looking into the ways that new insulation can benefit your home.
Heating and Cooling Costs
The US Department of Energy estimates that around 49% of a home’s energy bills will be spent on heating and cooling the home. That’s almost half of your energy costs! Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency has reported that, in mild climates like Orange County, homeowners can expect to save an average of 15% on their heating and cooling costs when they add insulation to vulnerable areas of the home such as:
- Attics
- Crawl spaces
- Rim joists
- Basements
HVAC Maintenance
A poorly insulated home means an HVAC system that has to work extra hard to heat and cool the home. In addition to the increased energy bills from an overworked system, this will cause excess wear and tear on the system leading to the need for more frequent maintenance and shortening its lifespan. Having proper insulation will help you save money on maintenance and replacement costs for your HVAC system.
Return on Investment
If you’re thinking of selling your home in Orange County new insulation can offer a great return on investment. Recent studies have suggested that you could break even with the value added to your home from new insulation and the tax incentives associated with it.
Did you know that properly insulating your home can offer you a fantastic return on investment if you sell your home? Studies suggest that Los Angeles homeowners can expect to, at least, break even on their insulation investment when they sell their homes. Additionally, new insulation often makes homeowners eligible for tax incentives which leads to even more savings.
Home Comfort
When you decrease the heat flow both into and out of your home you increase your comfort levels. A home that doesn’t have appropriate insulation can feel drafty in cooler weather and overly stuffy and hot in warmer weather. New insulation will keep you and your family comfortable all year long.
Should You Upgrade Your Insulation?
It’s always a good idea to have your insulation checked if you’re not sure whether it needs to be replaced or not. Re-insulating your Orange County home can keep you comfortable and save you money. If you think your home needs new insulation, call Guardian Roofs in Orange County, today, to schedule a free estimate!
