If you’re like most homeowners, you only think about your home’s insulation when it’s not doing its job of helping regulate household temperatures. When it’s time for new insulation, many homeowners find themselves tempted to take the do-it-yourself approach in an effort to save money, but it doesn’t always play out that way. Those without professional experience installing insulation often make mistakes that wind up battering their budgets with increased utility costs. Following are just five of the common insulation mistakes that can cost you money:
Covering Vents
Although many people believe that covering their roof vents will save them money on heating costs in winter, this practice is not recommended. Heat buildup at the top of the house will damage roof shingles over a period of time, and savings on heat are usually offset by increased air conditioning costs during summer.
Placing Insulation Too Close to Furnaces or Water Heaters
Insulation that is too close to heat-producing household fixtures poses a significant risk of fire. The backing of most types of insulation is particularly flammable, so be sure to proceed with caution.
Leaving Gaps in Coverage
Gaps in insulation material may result in drafts, defeating the purpose of installing insulation in the first place. If you do find small gaps, use spray foam or seal with caulk to help keep drafts to a minimum.
Using Low R-value Insulation
R-value is defined by the measure of the transfer of heat through the insulation material. Choosing the material with the highest R-value ultimately saves homeowners money on their fuel costs.
Skimping on Insulation
Using less than the recommended amount of insulation is a sure recipe for encountering problems down the line. Not only will you pay the price with higher energy bills, but you’ll likely have to shoulder the financial burden of paying someone to redo the installation.
Removing the Old Insulation
Unless your old insulation has significant issues like being wet or infested with mold or mildew, don’t remove it. Leaving it there will provide an extra layer of protection against fluctuating outdoor temperatures.
Perhaps the biggest mistake many homeowners make when it comes to insulation is trying to do it themselves. It’s going to cost more in the short term to pay an expert to install it for you, but chances are excellent that you’ll reap long-term financial rewards by going this route in the form of reduced heating and cooling costs. As an added bonus, VHI is a Mass Save Contractor Please feel free to contact us at your convenience for more information on how we can not only help you save money on monthly utility bills but also help you get an insulation upgrade with a 75% rebate.