Improving your home's insulation is a cost-effective way to be more energy efficient. Poor insulation, drafty windows and doors, and other potential sealant problems are costing you money. You're losing heated air in the winter and cooled air in the summer. And cold drafts during chilly months make your HVAC system work harder. But you can stop much of this energy wastefulness with these efficient home insulation practices.

Seal Drafts

Drafty windows and doors are big culprits in poor home insulation. Luckily, there are many ways to address these problems - from DIY caulking and shrink wrap to door draft stoppers and interior storm windows.

Upgrade your Windows

Upgrading to energy efficient windows can reduce expensive heat gain and heat loss. Older homes with single-paned windows or metal frames often experience these problems. Aluminum or metal frames are substandard insulation choices because they conduct heat quickly. Another potential issue is sliding windows that have higher air leakage rates.

Add Insulation

Quality attic and wall insulation reduce the heat that enters your house. It lessens the work your AC must do to keep your home cool during hot days. And when it's cold, insulation keeps the heat indoors longer.

In a 2015 study, the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) estimated that about 90% of U.S. houses aren't properly insulated. Inadequate insulation allows warmth to escape. So your furnace will be running more often to keep your home comfortable. Adding blown cellulose insulation or batts to your attic floors and behind walls can lead to considerable energy savings. Online calculators can help you figure out how much you'll save on your utility bills just by upgrading your insulation.

Flooring

Floors usually don't need insulation. But some remodels include a room over a garage. Those additions should include floor insulation for both safety and savings. This step helps to prevent heat loss and carbon monoxide poisoning.

If your home has a crawl space, consider insulating the subfloor. It will help with energy efficiency and better indoor air quality (IAQ). Also, homes with older wooden floors may be plagued with gaps. Fill permanent floor gaps with wood strips, rope, or putty to prevent drafts.

Seal your HVAC ducts

Did you know your ducts leak between 25% to 40% of the air moving through them? That's a lot of waste in heating and cooling energy. Duct sealing will help eliminate that waste and make you and your family more comfortable year-round. Money savings and IAQ are some extra benefits to this service.

Keep your home better insulated with the smart options we've covered here. And for improved air duct insulation, turn to One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning. Call to schedule our Duct Sealing services for top energy savings and better health.