Now that winter's here, there are plenty of other signs besides high heating bills and cold, drafty rooms that a home is lacking adequate insulation. One sign is when snow melts off your roof and not your neighbor's. Proper insulation in the walls and attic increases energy efficiency and can reduce heating bills by as much as 30-50 percent.
CLEVELAND, Jan. 27, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Homeowners who want to reduce their heating bills should first determine if their home is energy efficient by first checking the insulation. Having adequate ceiling and wall insulation can reduce heating bills by as much as 30 to 50 percent, says USA Insulation President Pat Pitrone.
There are four external signs homeowners can look for to determine if their home is lacking insulation: Icicles hanging from the eaves, snow melted off the roof, snow melted around the perimeter of the home, and ice forming in the gutters. Additional internal signs include cold, drafty rooms; uneven temperatures from room to room; and walls and/or ceilings that feel cold.
"If the snow is melted off your roof and not your neighbor's roof, it's pretty much guaranteed you not only have heat escaping from your home due to inadequate insulation but you also have higher-than-normal utility bills," said Pitrone.
Between 50 and 70 percent of the energy used in an average US home is consumed by heating and cooling systems. Of the numerous factors to consider when seeking to maximize a home's energy efficiency, the US Department of Energy (DOE) lists inadequate insulation as a leading cause of home energy waste because it forces even the most efficient heating and cooling systems to work harder and consume more energy.
"In addition to insulation saving money on energy bills, an energy efficient home is more comfortable and has better indoor air quality," says Pitrone. "When you insulate your home correctly, it's one of the lowest cost options for improving your home's energy efficiency and comfort."
According to the DOE, only 20 percent of the houses built before 1980 are considered well insulated. Many homes have no insulation at all, due to the fact that building codes didn't require insulation prior to the mid-1970s. Insulation provides a barrier to slow down the natural transfer of heat from warmer objects and areas into colder ones. The higher the R-value of insulation, the greater the resistance to heat transfer. Less heat transfer means more energy saved and lower pollution levels. The Rocky Mountain Institute estimates that upgrading insulation in the attic, walls, and basement of the typical American home will reduce that home's CO2 emissions by 4,147 lbs per year.
USA Insulation specializes in injecting foam insulation into the walls of existing homes, although they also install attic insulation and perform air sealing services.
But not all insulation is created equal, says Pitrone.
"Before investing in insulation, make sure it's environmentally friendly, fire resistant, will prevent allergy causing dust particles from entering the home, and won't settle like other wall insulation," he said.
He adds USA Insulation Premium Foam currently offers the highest R-value of any wall insulation currently on the market, which means higher the energy savings. According to the company its foam insulation is up to 45 percent higher R-value than fiberglass, cellulose or rockwool and contains no formaldehyde — a substance found in some wall insulation.
According to Pitrone, the money saved in reduced energy costs often pays for the insulation within a few years. After that, the insulation continues to save money for the life of the home. It can also increase the resale value of a house, he said, especially when energy prices are high.
About USA Insulation Inc.
USA Insulation is a national franchise that specializes in premium wall insulation that's formaldehyde-free and environmentally friendly. The company has insulated more than 20,000 homes nationwide. Established in 1977 and incorporated in 1985, USA Insulation has saved thousands of customers millions of dollars on their heating and air conditioning bills. The company is headquartered in Eastlake, Ohio. For more information visit www.usainsulation.net.
CONTACT:
Jeff Pizzino
@PRjeff
480.606.8292
jeff@pizzinovations.com
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The following pictures are available for download:
| [Image] | Inadequate insulation causes heat to escape from a house. Icicles form when this heat warms up a home's roof and melts the snow. |
| [Image] | USA Premium Foam wall insulation offers the highest R-value of any wall insulation and fills every nook and cranny by traveling around electrical outlets, pipes and wires. |
| [Image] | Wall insulation should be long lasting and not settle (see foam insulation on right). Cellulose insulation (left) can settle, leaving gaps in the wall cavity. |
| [Image] | When choosing insulation, make sure it's eco- and family friendly, and contains no formaldehyde. |