It sounds counter-intuitive to think that our homes are responsible for much of the energy lost from your heating and cooling systems, but it’s true!
Homeowners often wonder which home upgrades will have the greatest impact on both your comfort and your energy consumption: windows, or insulation. Which one will save you the most right in your Frankfort or Chicagoland South home if installed first?
There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution to creating a better-performing home, so here are some signs to look out for to help determine if one of these two upgrades will benefit your home performance, or if both would be best!
Do You Need to Replace Your Windows?
Windows are much more visible than the insulation hidden behind your walls, in the attic, and under your feet in the basement or crawl space, so many homeowners jump to the conclusion that their windows are to blame for their high energy bills and uncomfortable home.
While installing energy-efficient windows can save you some cash, you’ll want to make sure you are seeing some of the following signs before shelling out the expense of window replacement.
1. Condensation on the window panes or between panes of glass
Condensation on your windows can happen naturally from time to time, especially during the frigid winter months while the warm and humid air in your home meets the cold surface of your windows. However, if you are noticing chronic condensation, whether it is between the panes or on the interior of your windows, they could be the source of your home comfort issues.
2. Visible air gaps or windows that won’t close all the way
One of the biggest historical problems with windows is poor installation. If the frame of your window is not sealed airtight, outside air will be able to move freely in and out of your home. This brings in unwanted temperatures that will force your heating and cooling system to use more energy to keep up. If you can see visible gaps, it is definitely time for window replacement.
3. Indoor drafts
Even if you can’t see any of the aforementioned signs, you might be able to feel them. If your windows have gaps, or the panes are allowing heat to move freely between your living space and the outdoors, you will feel indoor drafts throughout your home.
Do You Need to Replace Your Insulation?
Home insulation is tough to diagnose without the help of a professional, like Assured Insulation. Still, keep an eye out for these symptoms:
1. Uneven temperatures from room to room
Insulation should keep your home protected from the outside temperatures, and stabilize the temperatures throughout your entire living space. If you have areas of your home that are too hard to condition, like an unusually warm second story during the summer, your insulation is most likely the culprit.
2. Draftiness
When one area of your home is warmer than other areas, that heat will go in search of colder temperatures. As this heat moves through the air, you will feel the draft. As a result, upgrading your insulation will reduce this heat movement, and your drafts.
3. Heating or AC system that constantly runs
If your home is reasonably comfortable thanks to your heating and AC system, but your energy bills are sky-high because they are constantly running, the blame could also be placed on insulation. This is a sign that your insulation is not keeping the warm or cold air from your HVAC system where it needs to be, and it is working overtime to make up for the energy loss.
4. Home built in the 1970s or earlier
Think about all that has changed since 1970 in your own life—the cars we drive are much different, the way we give and receive information has been revolutionized, and in the last five decades, home construction and building science have advanced greatly. We do not use the same insulation materials and techniques of yesteryear, and older insulation materials are easily damaged and can even be dangerous to your health.
One or Both? Schedule an Audit to Find Out!
If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, there is good news: your home could be much more comfortable and efficient! But how can you know which step to take? At Assured Insulation, we offer home energy audits to provide you with a clear, customized path towards efficiency and comfort.
After assessing your home, we can tell you which of these two upgrades will provide the most benefit, or if your home is in dire need of both upgrades. Plus, depending on your utility company, we may be able to save you on the cost of your upgrade through rebates and incentives!