Which Saves More Energy Attic Insulation Or Windows

Marc brener b s director of energy efficiency for energy experts international says this can help save up to 15 on your winter energy bill.

Which saves more energy attic insulation or windows.

In retrofit situations it s typically exceedingly difficult to insulate the slab and foundation walls so most insulation upgrades are focused on above grade walls and ceilings. Most hardware stores carry window insulation kits. Unless your home was specially constructed for energy efficiency you can probably reduce your energy bills by adding more insulation. In reality this is rarely the case.

This is the sweater and hat. The department of energy estimates that you can save up to 10 percent annually on your energy bill when you insulate your attic. Bge says that increasing insulation thickness from 2 to 3 inches r 5 to 8 to 14 r 30 inches can save you 95 to 145 per year in 2010 for every 1 200 square feet of ceiling area. I would go no less than r 38 in your attic and r 19 in the walls if you can.

Here s how to rule your attic this year. Homeowners will save more money on their utility bills when the existing insulation is removed from the attic floor. Spend your money insulating your walls and attic. By replacing all your units with our energy star certified products you can save an average of 8 on your energy bill.

Windows would be nice but without wall and attic insulation it would be kind of like putting the carriage in front of the horse. This is because insulation left on the attic floor with spray foam on the roof deck traps the heat inside the attic during the summer causing the temperature to increase much higher than if no insulation is present on the attic floor. Epa estimates that homeowners can save an average of 15 on heating and cooling costs or an average of 11 on total energy costs by air sealing their homes and adding insulation in attics floors over crawl spaces and accessible basement rim joists. In reality while many homeowners are mulling over which type of energy efficient windows to purchase there s a much more effective way to reduce energy usage in the home.

Methodology for estimated energy savings from cost effective air sealing and insulating. Many older homes have less insulation than homes built today but even adding insulation to a newer home can pay for itself within a few years. Ideally a building is well insulated all around including the foundation and slab. Go into your attic space and measure the insulation level.

By adding insulation or sealing air leaks you can save up to 10 percent on your home s annual energy bills and keep your family more comfortable.