Caleb Weatherbee, The Farmers’ Almanac pseudonymous weather
forecaster, has dire predictions for the coming winter season. The predictions
indicate that New England, New York and Pennsylvania should prepare for a “bitterly
cold” and snow-filled season. Illinois and the surrounding states will have
“biting cold” temperatures and the Midwest can look forward to "piercing
cold" weather. Other parts of the country will simply be cold, damp and
blanketed in snow. If Caleb Weatherbee’s predictions are accurate, it sounds
like most of us should be bracing for a miserable winter.
Welcome to Insulation
101
Now that summer has come and gone, it’s a perfect time to start
seriously thinking about getting your home ready for the winter. Beyond clearing
your gutters and getting the storm doors ready, when was the last time you
thought about your home’s insulation? Out of sight, out of mind - right?
Insulation reduces unwanted heat loss or gain and decreases
the energy demands of your home’s heating and cooling systems. Insulation helps maintain
consistent comfort levels in your home while saving money on energy costs
throughout the year. Without proper insulation, the money you spend on heating
and cooling literally goes right out the window. Or perhaps, right out the door
or through the roof, and out the walls!
Missing or
failed insulation is one of the top three most common issues our home energy
audits uncover. It is a major contributor to comfort issues within the home and
to energy waste.
Infrared Image of Missing Insulation |
The primary problem for homeowners is not knowing exactly
where the insulation is missing or has failed. So, they either guess – and
therefore typically waste a lot of money – OR – they feel overwhelmed or assume
it costs too much to improve and do nothing. Both are bad approaches.
The truth is, when you have quality insulation placed
exactly where it’s needed, it’s a very cost effective improvement with proven return
on investment and comfort impact.
What’s the other big mistake homeowners make? That is
waiting until the thick of winter to decide they’re going to combat Mother Nature
(typically after that first seasonal energy bill). By that time, you’ll be on a
waiting list behind other desperate homeowners and you’re more likely to make
spur of the moment, uninformed purchase decisions.
Get the jump on Caleb Weatherbee and discuss your game plan
now!
Next Issue:
Understanding R Values and Types of Insulation