There are a number of improvements you can make to your home that will increase its value. Is updating your insulation one of them? While any improvement to heat and energy efficiency should theoretically increase the market price of your home, research indicates you won’t see any notable return on investment, at least not on your home’s value. It will almost certainly make it more marketable, and if you have an inadequate amount of insulation it’s sure to be noted on the home inspection. However, you do stand to fatten your bank account just the same, at least if you stay in your home for any amount of time. How? By saving substantially on your heating and cooling costs.
INCREASING INSULATION CAN SAVE YOU THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS
When people think of making their homes more energy efficient, new windows may be the first thing that comes to mind. But in terms of dollars spent in relation to savings gained, it can take over 15 years to see a return from replacing windows. Increasing insulation on the other hand, though less glamorous, will often result in expenses recouped within the first year. Even simply adding more insulation to your attic, a relatively inexpensive operation, can make a big difference to your Hamilton, Mississauga or Kitchener-Waterloo home’s ability to regulate the internal temperature.
SIGNS YOU NEED MORE INSULATION
While the best way to determine if you need more layering in your attic is to go up and have a look at what’s there, your house may already be showing you signs it needs an insulation boost. Common symptoms include:
- Hefty heating and/or cooling bills
- Ice damming on the roof
- Drafts in the home
- One or more rooms that are much cooler or warmer than the others in the home
- An HVAC system that’s constantly running
AREAS WHERE YOU MAY NEED TO INCREASE INSULATION
The attic is an important place to check when you’re trying to determine where more insulation might improve your home’s energy efficiency. Other areas to check include:
- Basements and crawlspaces
- Cathedral ceilings
- Walls
- Floors
- Around ducts and wiring
THE EASY WAY TO ADD INSULATION
Blowing in loose fill insulation is the simplest way to increase your home’s insulation. The existing insulation you have can be left in place (unless it’s wet or contaminated by pests) and simply topped up. Unlike batt insulation, blown insulation will cover every surface, even around irregularly shaped areas, ensuring optimal insulating abilities. Spray foam insulation may be preferred in some or all areas of your home, as it has the highest R-values and is also easy to install in challenging nooks and crannies.
HIRE INSULATION CONTRACTORS YOU CAN COUNT ON
Reitzel Insulation provides blown and spray foam insulation services in the GTA and surrounding areas including Hamilton, Mississauga, Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph, Brantford, Oakville, Burlington and Brampton. Our 46 years of experience and five-year warranty on workmanship gives our clients confidence in our services. Contact us today to schedule an in-home evaluation and a free estimate.
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