Insulation energy savings are one of the first things homeowners ask about when insulating, which isn’t surprising, as many people re-insulate for energy savings alone. Although exact estimates are hard to make, there are some tools online that can help you figure out approximately how much you can save by insulating.
Calculating Insulation Energy Savings
You can visit CIMA (Cellulose Insulation Manufacturers Association) online to calculate insulation savings. You can measure the financial impact of increasing your insulation performance by entering your data into the insulation calculator—the size of your house, the cost of your energy, etc. With the calculator, you can see what you would be saving this year and in the future!
Here’s another home energy saver tool. It calculates all your energy bills using your current rates and personal information, such as where you live, the number of your household members, what year your home was built, whether you have a basement or not, the type of HVAC system you have, etc. After filling in your data, you’ll get back your current yearly energy costs and how much you can potentially save with upgrades.
Tips for Maximizing Savings From Insulation
There are some things you can do to make sure you get the most out of your insulation. To maximize savings, make sure:
You talk to a reputable insulation contractor: DIY insulation projects are not recommended. It’s best to talk to insulation professionals, who can ensure you not only are using the right material but that you’re also getting the right amount of insulation and insulating the appropriate areas of your home to gain the most energy savings.
Your home is properly air sealed: Air sealing and insulation go hand in hand. A home that is properly insulated but not air sealed isn’t energy-efficient. Air leaks reduce the effectiveness of your insulation, so your home really needs to be both insulated and sealed. Caulking and weatherstripping are two common air sealing techniques.
Other areas of your home aren’t hindering your energy efficiency efforts: You won’t be saving as much money as you could if your home is insulated but isn’t energy-efficient in other ways. For example, if your windows are old and leaky, you leave your fireplace flue damper open when not in use, your home still has energy-inefficient incandescent bulbs instead of CFL bulbs, etc., there is a lot of potential for savings. There are a lot of ways to save energy (and money)—and combined with bigger ticket items like insulation and window replacement, they can help gain significant annual energy savings.
Free Insulation Estimates
So the question, “How much does insulation save?” doesn’t have a quick, one-solution-fits-all answer—it depends on many factors (where you live, the age of your home, etc.). But it’s easy enough to find out with online tools. Talking to a professional insulation company is the best way!
If you live in Southern California, OJ Insulation is the company you need! We’ve installed insulation for homes and businesses in the San Diego and Los Angeles areas for over 25 years. Contact us for a free estimate, or call us at (800) 707-9278!
