Insulation 101: How Insulation Can Help You Seal in Comfort This Winter
If you’re reading this, chances are— your home is under-insulated.
In fact, according to ENERGY STAR®, 9 out of 10 homes in the United States have significant air leaks or inadequate insulation, meaning that air (that you pay to either heat or cool) is escaping every day. And it’s not just money slipping away— it’s comfort and efficiency, too.
So, with winter just around the corner, how can you ensure your home is well-insulated and well-prepared to brave the colder months ahead?
That’s where the National Energy Improvement Fund (NEIF) comes in. As the nation’s only Certified B Corporation™ and U.S. Department of Energy Home Improvement Expert Partner, NEIF helps homeowners invest in energy-saving improvements— such as insulation upgrades— by providing them with trusted, transparent, and affordable options for financing.
Continue reading to learn how insulation can transform your home’s comfort and energy use, and why now is the ideal time to take action.
What is Insulation? How Does it Work?
Insulation refers to material that provides a barrier between the inside and exterior of your home, used mainly to minimize heat loss or gain.
To understand how home insulation works, the U.S. DOE suggests starting with a basic understanding of heat flow and its three mechanisms, including:
- Conduction – how heat moves through materials
- Convention – how heat circulates through liquids & gases
- Radiation – how radiant heat transfers heat in a straight line, heating anything solid in its path
While there are many different types of insulation that can be used in a home, the most common insulation materials will slow both conductive and convective heat flow.
Why Does Insulation Matter This Winter?
When talking about insulation, the other key thing to keep in mind is that heat flows from warmer to cooler areas.
During the winter months, this means that heat naturally moves from warm, lived-in spaces to cool, unheated areas of the home, like basements, attics, and garages— and even outdoors. In the summer, the process reverses, with hot air sneaking inside the home (making it harder to keep cool).
The U.S. DOE reports that on average, insulation – when installed correctly – can save homeowners up to 20% on heating and cooling costs, or up to 10% on total home energy costs. When your home is properly insulated, your heating, cooling and ventilation (HVAC) system operates more efficiently, ultimately using less energy and lowering monthly utility bills.
How Can NEIF Help Homeowners?
NEIF helps customers across the country invest in energy efficiency upgrades— like adding insulation— that make their homes more comfortable, efficient, safe, and healthy. By working with one of NEIF’s Approved Contractors, you gain access to a trusted professional who has been authorized to offer you our fixed-rate, monthly payment financing— that not only supports your home improvement goals, but fits within your budget, too.
Don’t wait until the first cold snap to think about insulation! A few steps now can make a huge impact later— improving your family’s comfort, lowering monthly bills, and keeping your home as efficient as possible. Find a NEIF-Approved Contractor today or check out NEIF’s EnergyPlus Home Improvement Loan for more information.
SOURCES: ENERGY STAR, U.S. Department of Energy