Learning Center

Learning Center » Insulation

How Will New Attic Insulation Affect My Energy Bills?

attic insulation energy bills

As many knows, heat always rises to the highest possible point. While in summer, this may not account for much, in winter, it is an entirely different story. According to the Department of Energy, roughly 70% of your energy bill goes into heating and cooling your home. Of that, proper insulation can reduce heat loss by as much as 30%.

It is for this reason why your attic insulation should be a top priority. It should also go without saying that good attic insulation will also result in less strain on your heating and cooling equipment, saving you added maintenance or replacement costs, in the process.

How to Determine Whether You Need New Attic Insulation?

It’s not always easy to determine whether your home needs new attic insulation. Nevertheless, several telltale signs can help you decide whether this is the case or not.

If in winter you notice ice dams or icicles forming, this is an indicator of new attic protection is needed. Likewise, the presence of hotspots is also a determining factor. These hotspots are patches of the roof that have less or no snow on them. You can also look at your neighbors’ roofs for a better comparison.

Another reliable indicator is if you notice high heating bills in the winter and higher cooling bills in the summer. The change may not be immediately noticeable, but you can compare to previous statements to see any considerable differences or trends.

Another way to determine this is by paying attention to your heating and cooling systems and whether they are running more than usual. It could be indicators that these systems are not working at peak efficiency, but also that heat is escaping through your attic.

How Does Attic Insulation Work?

It’s important to keep in mind that there are different types of insulation available on the market, each with its pros and cons and suitable for different budgets or climates. As a general rule of thumb, the R-Value is a good indicator for the insulating property of the material used.

It is a measure that determines the heat transfer, so the higher the R-Value, the greater the resistance to heat transfer. It is a good way of comparing brands that have a similar type of insulation.

Attic insulation is installed directly under the roof rafters as a means of stopping heat from escaping the attic. During winter, the attic will be colder which will then absorb the heat from the rooms below. In summer, however, the principle is reversed with the attic becoming hot and radiating heat inwards. But with proper insulation mounted in the roof, the transfer of heat between the exterior and interior is significantly reduced.

Need help with a windows, roofing or siding project? Click here for a free estimate from 1-800-HANSONS.

Get a Free Estimate Today

60% off installation. Special financing available. See details.

Get My Free Estimate

Enter today for a chance to win a $50,000 home exterior makeover!

Enter Now

60% off installation or no interest and no payments for two years.

Labor Only. Roofing and siding priced by the square. Not combinable with other offers/promotions. Offer may be withdrawn without notice. Prior sales excluded. Must purchase by 3/31/24 to qualify for special offer. Lifetime Guarantee is for roofing, siding, windows, and gutters. Bathtub and showers offer a no-leak guarantee. Other restrictions may apply.

Disclosure: Plan 2541. Subject to credit approval. Rates range from 14.43% – 18.84% APR (interest rates range from 17.99% – 24.99%). Loan amount and rate will vary based on your income and creditworthiness. 24-month promotional period (“Promo Period”) during which interest is billed but will be waived if the amount financed is paid in full before Promo Period expires. Monthly payments are not required during the Promo Period. Any unpaid balance and amounts owed after Promo Period will be paid over 84 monthly payments. For example, assuming the full credit limit is used on loan approval date and no payments are made during Promo Period, for every $1,000 financed at a fixed interest rate of 24.99%, 24 monthly payments of $0 followed by 84 monthly payments of $31.26. This example is an estimate only. Actual payment amounts based on amount and timing of purchases. Call 866-936-0602 for financing costs and terms. Financing for the GreenSky® consumer loan program is provided by Equal Opportunity Lenders. GreenSky® is a registered trademark of GreenSky, LLC, a subsidiary of Goldman Sachs Bank USA. NMLS #1416362. Loans originated by Goldman Sachs are issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Salt Lake City Branch.

Sachs are issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Salt Lake City Branch. NMLS #208156. www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org