Thursday, September 5, 2013

Colder Temperatures and Higher Bills Predicted – Time to Plan Ahead! Issue #1

 
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