If you are trying to cut down on heating costs or need to update an old home this winter, one easy way to do that is to make sure your insulation is adequate for the climate your home is in. How can this help cut down on the heating bill? Well…
Insulation will help you keep the desired temperature in your house all year round, protecting it against cold in winter and excess heat in summer. Insulation is also useful to reduce noise pollution. A well-insulated house is very energy efficient and will need very little additional heating and cooling.
LEADING CAUSE OF ENERGY WASTE
Inadequate insulation is one of the leading causes of energy waste in your home. Especially for these frigid Michigan winters that routinely hit single digits and even lower. According to the Department of Energy, 30-35% of heat loss occurs through walls, while 20-25% is lost through the roof. To cut costs you could leave the heat off and try bundling in layers upon layers of clothing and blankets, but why go through all that when you can get a check of your insulation checked and serviced so that you know it will meet Michigan climate standards.
GOOD INSULATION MEANS MORE MONEY FOR YOU
So now we understand that having bad insulation wastes energy but did you know that it also costs money? Inevitably, as temperatures drop outside your home, the thermostat will be going up as you try to combat the heat loss and raise temperatures inside the house. This is going to put a big void in your wallet after you pay that pumped-up heating bill. Instead of taking that hit to your bank account, get a professional to come to check out your insulation and make sure your house is retaining the heat that it is supposed to. EPA estimates suggest homeowners can save 10-20% on heating and cooling costs by air sealing and insulating.
| Benefit Type | Value | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Heating & Cooling Savings | 10-20% | Annual |
| Investment Recovery | 100% | 3-7 years |
| Return on Investment | $2.00-$2.50 per $1.00 | Long-term |
Most homeowners recover their initial investment in insulation upgrades within 3 to 7 years.
MAKE SURE THE WHOLE HOUSE IS WELL INSULATED
It isn’t just cracks and doors and windows that will drop the temperature of your home.
Make sure that attics and roofs are properly insulated as well! For Michigan winters (Climate Zones 6-8), ENERGY STAR recommends attic insulation levels of R-49 to R-60, which is approximately 15-20 inches of insulation.
| Home Area | Heat Loss | Priority Level |
|---|---|---|
| Walls | 30-35% | Highest |
| Roof/Attic | 20-25% | High |
| Windows & Doors | 20% | Medium |
| Floors | 10-15% | Medium |
Air infiltrates your home through poorly insulated areas. The obvious ones are doors, cracks, and windows, but the attic and roof can be big areas of concern. Poorly insulated roofs let the cold air in and the warm air out, again making you reach for the thermostat and inevitably your pocketbook when the heating bill is due. So make sure the attic space and roof are properly insulated and save yourself some cash for a nice summer vacation!
Insulating attics and around doors and windows can be a very cost-effective way to save energy costs. Your savings from adding insulation depends on many factors, though, including the age of your home, its current insulation status, and the size and type of construction. In addition, the local climate and your family’s living habits will also affect your savings.
Insulation services in Michigan are an important part of keeping your residential or commercial property energy-efficient and cost-effective. Energy waste reduction efforts in Michigan generate $2.00-$2.50 in benefits for every $1.00 invested. Paramount Roofing, is one of the top insulation service professionals in the state of Michigan. We proudly service Southeast Michigan and Macomb County. Please fill out the Contact Form or call us and let us keep you out of the cold this winter!
What are the signs that my home needs better insulation?
Common indicators include uneven temperatures between rooms, ice dams forming on your roof in winter, unusually high energy bills, and cold drafts near walls or ceilings. You might also notice your HVAC system running constantly to maintain comfortable temperatures, which suggests heat is escaping faster than it should.
How long does insulation typically last before it needs replacement?
Most insulation materials last 20-30 years under normal conditions, though some types like spray foam can last 80+ years. However, insulation can lose effectiveness sooner if exposed to moisture, pest damage, or settling. Regular inspections every 10-15 years help identify whether your insulation still performs adequately.
Can adding insulation help with summer cooling as well as winter heating?
Absolutely! Proper insulation works year-round by creating a thermal barrier that keeps hot air out during summer months, reducing air conditioning costs. This is especially beneficial in attics, where summer heat can reach extreme temperatures and radiate down into living spaces, forcing your cooling system to work overtime.
What’s the difference between R-value ratings in insulation products?
R-value measures insulation’s resistance to heat flow—higher numbers mean better insulating power. Michigan’s cold climate requires higher R-values than warmer regions. Different areas of your home need different R-values; attics typically require R-49 to R-60, while walls need R-13 to R-21 depending on construction type.
Should I insulate my basement or crawl space too?
Yes, basement and crawl space insulation is crucial for whole-home energy efficiency. These areas account for 10-15% of heat loss and can create cold floors and moisture problems if left uninsulated. Insulating foundation walls and rim joists prevents cold air infiltration and helps maintain consistent temperatures throughout your home.
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