Reduce your energy bills by adding more insulation:
Inspect the exterior walls by using an electrical outlet:
1. Turn off the power to the outlet.
2. Remove the outlet cover and shine a flashlight into the crack around the outlet box. You should be able to see if there is insulation in the wall and possibly how thick it is.
3. Pull out a small amount of insulation if needed to help determine the type of insulation.
4. Check outlets on all floors as well as old and new parts of your house. Just because you find insulation in one wall doesn’t mean that it’s everywhere in the house.
Inspect and measure the thickness (inches) of any insulation in unfinished basement ceilings and walls, or above crawlspaces. If the crawlspace isn’t ventilated, it may have insulation in the perimeter wall. If your house is relatively new, it may have insulation outside the basement or foundation walls. If so, the insulation in these spaces won’t be visible. The builder or the original homeowner might be able to tell you if exterior insulation was used.
Once you’ve determined the type of insulation you have in these areas and its thickness (inches), see the U.S. Department of Energy’s online Insulation fact sheet to determine the R-values of insulation previously installed in your home.
DETERMINING RECOMMENDED R-VALUES
When you find out the R-values of your insulation either from an energy assessment, the home builder, or your own inspection, you can then use the Home Energy Saver tool to determine how much insulation you should add and where you should add it for maximum energy efficiency.
ESTIMATING COSTS AND PAYBACK
The Home Energy Saver calculator also provides recommendations on energy upgrades, including insulation, and their rate of return.
DECIDING WHAT TYPE OF INSULATION TO ADD
If you decide to add insulation to your home, review our information on the types of insulation available to help you decide what type to use and where to insulate.
Jessie Saucer, Real Estate Salesperson
Long and Foster
Find out what's happening in Burkefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
703-209-3807
