This winter American homeowners will spend anywhere from $500 to $1500 to heat their homes. When you live in a state like Minnesota, these costs are usually on the high end due to extreme weather and brutally low temperatures.
Thankfully, there are many things that homeowners can do to keep their houses warmer and save money.
While sealing doors and windows can help keep the hot air inside, there are still a lot of avenues for air to escape your home, which is what proper insulation can help prevent.
Older Homes Are Especially at Risk
Insulation issues are especially common in older houses – usually those built before 1980. If you own a home that was built before this time, it’s a great idea to have a professional come out and ensure that it is sealed and insulated properly.
How Proper Insulation Saves You Money
Getting new insulation is an investment that will save you money over time. Homes that are properly insulated will cut down energy bills by as much as 50 percent. The amount that you save depends on where you live, how large your house is, and the areas that need to be insulated.
The Most Common Insulation Issues
We find that most homes lack insulation in the following areas:
- The Attic: even though you likely don’t venture up there very often, air can still escape through your ceiling and attic entryways.
- Walls: your walls have a lot of surface area for heat to escape to the outside.
- Basements and Crawl Spaces: more forgotten areas that need insulation. Your house loses heat in all directions, even down into the ground.
Save Money This Winter
Before the temperature starts to drop, make sure that your house is properly sealed. While insulation is a great first step in sealing your home, you should also consider contracting services for siding, roofing, and window repair. All of these can help keep your house warm even in the coldest temperatures.