Upgrading the insulation and air sealing in your existing house is a commonly overlooked home improvement, but one that offers long-term benefits for homeowners. In fact, many people are surprised to learn about all of the advantages of insulation replacement!
What Does Insulating and Air Sealing Your Home Do?
Insulation and air sealing create a protective barrier around your indoor living spaces—what we in the insulation business call the thermal envelope. This is crucial for controlling temperature and air quality and reducing energy waste.
Effective insulation slows how quickly heat enters and exits your home. ”R-value” is the measurement term professionals use to compare different types and brands of insulation. Higher R-values mean better insulation performance and reduced heat loss in winter/heat gain in summer.
#1: Lower Energy Bills
A home with proper insulation and air sealing maintains temperatures for longer. As a result, your heating and cooling systems don’t need to run as often because your house is able to keep the conditioned air and temperatures inside your home for longer. Because of this, you’ll pay less in monthly electricity and fuel bills. The average home saves 20% in heating and cooling costs after insulation and air sealing upgrades!
#2: Increased Comfort
Insulation helps maintain more even indoor temperatures throughout your house. If you’re currently experiencing rooms or even entire floors that are warmer or cooler than others, it’s likely to do with poor insulation. Air sealing in particular helps to prevent chilly indoor drafts in the winter, as air has a harder time finding its way in and out of your home once holes and gaps are closed.
One of the biggest benefits our customers comment on is how their home is so much more comfortable to live in after insulation and air sealing upgrades.
#3: Enhanced Home Value
Homes with upgraded insulation and proper air sealing use less energy, which can be a strong selling point for homebuyers. More and more families are aware of the benefits and are interested in living in an energy efficient home. This can translate into higher property values if you ever decide to sell your house.
#4: Improved Indoor Air Quality
Proper air sealing improves the overall air tightness of your home, which helps control the infiltration of outdoor pollutants and allergens. Additionally, it prevents moisture and humid air from entering, which can lead to harmful mold growth and compromised air quality.
#5: Better for the Environment
Reducing energy consumption—particularly energy waste—through better insulation and air sealing directly correlates with lower carbon emissions. Homes with proper insulation and air sealing are better for the planet and also great candidates for home electrification upgrades.
#6: A Quieter, More Peaceful Home
While it’s not often the primary reason that homeowners are upgrading, a lesser-known benefit is that insulation is often effective at soundproofing. If you suffer from noise pollution (either noise coming from outside or noise coming from elsewhere in the house), insulation and air sealing upgrades can create a quieter indoor environment for your family.
Save More on Insulation Upgrades with Tax Credits
There are two ways to financially benefit from new insulation: (1) long-term monthly energy savings, and (2) incentives that can help make your upfront investment more affordable. One of the best insulation incentives is the insulation tax credit, officially called the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit.
This is a federal tax credit that allows you to claim 30% of the cost of qualifying home upgrade expenses. For insulation and air sealing, you can claim as much as $1,200 every year!
Insulation Man makes qualifying and claiming your insulation tax credit simple. Reach out today to see how much you’re estimated to save and how we can help improve your Binghamton home today.
