Picture this: It’s another scorching summer day in Wisconsin. The sun beats down mercilessly, turning your home into a sauna despite the relentless efforts of your air conditioner. As you cringe at your skyrocketing energy bills, it’s time to unveil the secret weapon for a comfortable and energy efficient home during every season of the year: proper insulation.
Insulation is often hailed as a savior during winter, but its merits extend far beyond. By reducing heat transfer, insulation keeps your home cooler in summer, resulting in lower energy bills and a reduced environmental impact. It’s a win-win for both your home comfort and your wallet!
The Science of Summer Insulation
Understanding heat transfer is crucial. Heat naturally flows from warmer to cooler areas, meaning outdoor heat infiltrates your living space during the summer. Insulation acts as a barrier, slowing down this transfer and maintaining consistent indoor temperatures. Think of it like a thermos keeping drinks cold or a blanket keeping you cozy in winter, but in reverse.
Types of Insulation for Wisconsin Homes
When considering upgrading your home’s insulation it can be hard to know where to start and what insulation to use. Here’s some info to give you a head start:
Attic insulation
Your attic is one of the most energy inefficient areas of your home. Without proper attic insulation there’s nothing to slow down the transfer of heat sneaking out of your attic in the winter or coming in during the summer. You need insulation to help maintain a consistent temperature throughout your home. Combine your insulation with air sealing for maximum results (more on that in a second!) Two effective insulation choices are spray foam insulation (an expanding foam that insulates and air seals) and blown-in fiberglass insulation (an affordable loose fill insulation).
Wall insulation
Many older Wisconsin homes (especially those built before the mid-1950’s) were built with little to no exterior wall insulation to keep summer heat out and often face crazily fluctuating energy bills throughout the year. Adding wall insulation, usually blown-in cellulose, is a great way to give your heating and cooling systems a break, by not making them work as hard to maintain a comfy indoor environment. (Check out this informative video that walks you through the wall insulation process.)
Air sealing
Did you know that an air leak as small as your thumb can allow an enormous amount of conditioned air to escape? Sealing these air leaks prevents conditioned inside air from escaping and hot, humid outside air from entering. When combined with insulation, you have a powerhouse duo. Like Wisconsin and the Badgers, they’re just better together. Insulation slows down heat transfer while air sealing prevents drafts and leaks that let heat in, maximizing your home’s energy efficiency.
Wisconsin-Specific Considerations
When undergoing insulation installation, it’s important to consider several things specific to our state. First, humidity and mold. We often experience high humidity levels during the summer, making the need for insulation that much greater. Help control moisture and keep mold growth at bay with properly installed insulation and effective maintenance.
Second, be sure that your insulation project adheres to Wisconsin’s energy efficiency building codes to ensure proper insulation requirements are met. Third, and most exciting for homeowners, you can take advantage of local incentives such as rebates or tax credits when you upgrade your home’s insulation. It’s almost like getting paid to make your house better. Another win-win!
Calculating Your Savings
While energy savings vary, the Department of Energy estimates Wisconsin homeowners can save up to 19% off their annual energy bills with updated insulation and air sealing. Take a moment to gauge your potential savings with this handy online insulation savings calculator that also shows how your insulation decisions can impact your CO2 emissions. It’s big savings for both your wallet and the environment!
Choosing the Right Contractor
Selecting qualified professionals for your insulation installation is crucial for peace of mind and a job well done. Check certifications and references to ensure quality workmanship and don’t be shy about getting recommendations from friends and family. Don’t hesitate to gather multiple quotes to find the best option for your needs. Remember, the goal is not only a comfortable home but also an energy efficient one.
Enjoy an Energy Efficient Home All Summer Long
Proper insulation is the unsung hero of summer, maintaining a cool, comfortable, and energy efficient home for you and other Wisconsin residents. By reducing heat, improving indoor air quality, and lowering energy bills, it’s a smart investment for the long term.
At Rockweiler Insulation, insulation is in our DNA. Since 1983, we’ve been working to create a more energy efficient Madison community and beyond, one building at a time. We’re here to help you enjoy a cool, comfortable, and energy efficient living space this summer with our tailored insulation solutions. Contact us today to get started.
