Winter in New York can be beautiful, with snow-covered landscapes and cozy nights by the fire. But for many homeowners, the harsh winter weather can take a serious toll on their homes. Over time, the annual freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow, and freezing winds wear down the efficiency and comfort of homes, particularly in older, historical houses like those found throughout Binghamton. These charming homes, while full of character, are often vulnerable to energy inefficiencies caused by degraded insulation, and air leaks that develop over the years.
If your home has been feeling colder each winter or your energy bills have been creeping up during the colder months, winter weather might be to blame. Let’s explore how poor insulation and air leaks can cause damage—especially through the formation of ice dams—and what you can do to protect your home.
The Impact of Poor Insulation and Air Leaks in Winter
Without adequate insulation and air sealing, your home is left vulnerable to several winter-specific issues:
- Heat Loss: Warm air escapes through cracks, gaps, and insufficient insulation, particularly in the attic. This not only makes your home less comfortable but also forces your heating system to work overtime to compensate.
- Drafts and Cold Spots: Air leaks allow cold outdoor air to enter, creating drafts and uneven temperatures throughout your home.
- High Energy Bills: The harder your HVAC system works to maintain a stable temperature, the higher your utility bills climb.
- Ice Dam Formation: Insufficient attic insulation and air leaks are some of the main culprits behind ice dams on the roof, a significant and damaging issue for homes during winter.
How Ice Dams Form and Why They’re a Serious Problem
Ice dams are ridges of ice that form along the edges of a roof. They occur when heat from your home escapes into the attic, warming the roof and causing snow to melt. The melted snow flows down the roof until it reaches the cooler eaves, where it refreezes. Over time, this process creates a buildup of ice that traps water behind it, preventing proper drainage. This standing water can seep under shingles and cause significant damage to your home, including:
- Roof leaks
- Mold and mildew
- Structural damage
Once it has been identified you have an ice dam on your home, the first step will be ice dam removal. From there, it is essential that the root cause is addressed so that ice dams don’t form again the next winter .
Preventing Ice Dams with Proper Insulation and Air Sealing
The good news is that ice dams are preventable. By addressing the root causes—poor insulation and air leaks—you can protect your home from damage and enjoy a more comfortable, energy-efficient living space.
1. Schedule a Home Energy Assessment
A home energy assessment identifies areas where your home is losing heat and energy efficiency. Insulation Man provides expert assessments to pinpoint insulation gaps and will recommend tailored solutions to protect your home from winter damage.
2. Upgrade Attic Insulation
Proper attic insulation keeps warm air inside your living spaces and prevents it from escaping into the attic. This helps maintain a consistent roof temperature, reducing the risk of snow melting and refreezing. Materials like cellulose and spray foam insulation provide excellent thermal performance, ensuring your home stays warm without overworking your heating system.
3. Seal Air Leaks
Even the best insulation won’t perform well if there are air leaks. Gaps around pipes, electrical fixtures, and attic access points allow warm air to escape and cold air to enter. Professional air sealing closes these gaps, preventing heat loss and creating a more effective thermal barrier.
Save Now with NYSERDA Insulation Rebates 2025
Thanks to the NYSERDA EmPower+ program, upgrading your home’s insulation and air sealing has never been more affordable. Depending on income qualifications, this program offers:
- Low Income Households up to $10,000 in energy efficiency improvements at no cost.
- Moderate Income Households up to $5,000 in energy efficiency improvements at no cost.
Additionally, Insulation Man is the only contractor in the Southern Tier partnered with Sealed to provide exclusive performance-based rebates starting at $2,000 rebates for residential insulation and air sealing projects through NYSEG.
Learn more about program qualifications here
Protect Your Home This Winter
Don’t let another harsh New York winter take its toll on your home. As Binghamton’s locally and woman-owned insulation and weatherization company, Insulation Man specializes in improving the comfort, efficiency, and health of homes throughout the Southern Tier of New York. By upgrading your insulation, sealing air leaks, and improving ventilation, you can protect your home from damage, reduce energy bills, and enjoy a more comfortable living environment.
Contact Insulation Man today to schedule your home energy assessment and take advantage of NYSERDA EmPower+ rebates. Together, we’ll ensure your home is ready to withstand the winter weather while keeping your family warm and comfortable.
