Did you know that over half of the average U.S. home’s energy consumption comes from heating and cooling?
In West Orange and across northern New Jersey, we experience sweltering summers, icy winters and just about every temperature in between. When Garden State homeowners consider how to lower their year-round HVAC spending, they too often assume they need to be uncomfortable when it’s especially cold or hot outside. Others think that updating their heating and air conditioning is the only way to lower their energy consumption.
One often-overlooked way to take control of your home heating and A/C-related expenses is to address your home’s envelope. This means making sure your house isn’t allowing too much heated or cooled air to escape — and an effective way to do this is by improving your insulation.
You might be surprised at the range of houses that can benefit from added insulation. Older homes often lack the same volume or quality of insulation as modern ones, but even newer homes can benefit from more insulation, which can pay off in a few years. To see if your home needs more, check how much insulation you have and where it’s located. A professional energy assessor can help with a detailed evaluation.
The R-value of insulation indicates its ability to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation’s performance. The ideal R-value for your home depends largely on your location and climate. For homes in our part of the Northeast, you should adhere to these R-Value guidelines from the U.S. Department of Energy:
[NOTE: CI stands for “continuous insulation,” which is applied outside a home’s frame and inside siding or other cladding.]
Insulation is far from the only weatherization you can improve in your home. Inspect your exterior doors, windows and wall seams for drafts that could be letting air escape. Seal these leaks using caulk, weather-stripping or door sweeps to keep your home airtight. This simple fix reduces strain on your heating and A/C equipment and helps lower your energy costs.
There are other pieces to the puzzle of staying comfortable throughout the year without breaking the bank. JW Pierson Co. is committed to helping you achieve optimal energy efficiency in your home. We have countless tools to achieve this, including the following:
To discuss these and other energy-saving options, please reach out to the JW Pierson team today.