How to Ensure Wintry Warmth

Here are some tips, including hiring an insulation contractor, about energy audits and insulation installation that will help keep your home warm this winter.

Stop Drafts and Air Leaks

It is possible to lose as much as 30 percent of conditioned air through leaks around the windows, doors, and other areas of your home. Caulking and weather stripping is an excellent method for stopping drafts in their tracks. As for air leaks, consider having an energy audit done, especially since the source is not always clearly identifiable.

An energy audit analyzes current and past utility bills to understand your energy consumption habits. The auditor will also use specialized equipment, such as a blower door test and infrared camera, to pinpoint air leaks and measure your insulation levels. Once complete, you will be provided with a list of energy efficient home improvements.

Let Daylight Fill Your Home

As soon as the sun rises in the morning, or when you wake up, open the curtains or blinds to take advantage of solar energy. Doing this can help warm your home without turning the heater up and, in turn, help lower your energy consumption. If the weather permits, consider opening your windows to improve ventilation.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

According to ENERGY STAR, the average American household spends more than $900 a year on heating and cooling costs, creating an area where saving money could be incredibly beneficial. One way to do just that is to install a programmable thermostat that you can set once and forget.

A programmable thermostat will automatically adjust the temperature based on your initial settings. An alternative option that you can monitor and control using your smartphone is a smart thermostat. These are designed to learn your habits and adjust temperatures accordingly.

Making the list of the “Best Programmable Thermostats of 2020” by Consumer Reports are thermostats from Emerson, Honeywell, and Lennox. These and other brands make excellent holiday gifts for anyone on your shopping list who may also need to improve their energy efficiency.

Hire an Insulation Contractor to Reduce Heat Flow

A contributing factor to high heating costs is insufficient or damaged insulation. That is because, when levels fall below ENERGY STAR’s recommended R-value, the material cannot adequately resist heat flow. Damaged insulation, regardless of whether it was caused by pests or water, can also impact the materials’ effectiveness.

In these situations hiring an insulation contractor to inspect your attic insulation is essential for decreasing heat transmission, helping increase your home’s energy efficiency. An insulation contractor can, upon inspection, make recommendations for adding or replacing existing materials and provide you with an accurate cost estimate.

Banker Insulation is a full service insulation contractor with 18 valley locations to help Arizonans improve their residential or commercial property’s energy efficiency. Our company also has locations in New Mexico and Washington.

Banker Insulation has been installing fiberglass insulation and other types of materials since 1977. Additional services include sound attenuation and energy audits. Schedule an appointment today by contacting one of our offices.