Are you properly insulated?

However, many existing homes fall short when it comes to meeting the amount of recommended insulation despite the advantages that come with proper insulation levels. The EPA estimates homeowners can save up to 15 percent in heating and cooling costs by air sealing and adding insulation.

The US Department of Energy recommendations for insulation levels are dependent upon climate zone. For example, in Massachusetts, with our warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters, it is recommended to have more insulation in your home than someone in Florida or Virginia.

Your home should have insulation throughout, and different areas require more or less. Your attic, which is an area where heat easily escapes, requires the most insulation. Exterior walls, on the other hand, don’t need as much, but should still be insulated.

But how do you know if you have enough? In some areas, you can take a look yourself. One of the easiest places to see how much insulation you have is in your attic. If you notice insulation is level at or just below the floor joists, you need more. If you take a yardstick and measure about 18-19” worth of insulation, you probably have just enough, but that’s not to say you couldn’t benefit from more.

An expert’s opinion is always a good thing to have, especially when it comes to your home’s insulation needs. As part of a no-cost home energy assessment, Bruin Corp. of Framingham will perform a thorough examination of your home’s insulation, and guide you toward the valuable incentives of up to 75 percent (or more, if you qualify) off recommended insulation improvements.

For more information on how you can assess your insulation needs with a no-cost home energy assessment, give Bruin Corp a call today: 508-881-8200.