Windows on Washington is committed to ensuring your home has the maximum possible energy efficiency. Our energy savvy customers often purchase new windows or doors to help increase the efficiency of their home, but many do not realize that appropriate levels of insulation can also make their home more effcient and help save money on heating and cooling bills.
When homeowners hire a home improvement contractor to assist in insulation or air sealing work, we suggest they follow these 4 easy tips to mazimize the increase in energy efficiency, as well as return on investment:
Step 1:
Professional Insulation Companies should use advanced diagnostic tests to determine where to add insulation and how much insulation is required. This test will take the guess work out of how much insulation to purchase, saving you money by confirming that you are only buying the amount of insulation you need.
Step 2:
It is important to determine the R-values of existing insulation. Then, you can make an informed decision on whether to add more insulation on top to bring the total R-value up to the recommended level for that area of the home or to remove the existing insulation altogether and replace it with new. If existing insulation is damaged, loose, moist or has insect or rodent residue, it may be better to remove it outright and refinish the area with new insulation of the correct R-value.
Step 3:
When adding insulation, be sure you contractor combines the R-value of the new insulation with the R-value of the existing insulation and that it equates total the recommended level. Double checking this level will insure you are getting what you are paying for. It is also recommended that all (assessible) pipes which transport hot water through the home be protected with insulation as well, as this prevents thermal energy from escaping the hot water while it’s en route to a faucet or water heater.
Step 4:
Know when to call a specialized insulation contractor. While some insulation upgrades are certainly possible with your average handyman, bear in mind that it is quite difficult to add insulation to existing walls without specialized training and equipment. If major exterior walls are deemed in need of an insulation upgrade, consult a professional insulation contractor with expertise in this area. They are likely to provide you with the most comprehensive work scope and which can also be the most time-and cost-effective solution.
In addition to having a detailed knowledge of the work which will be performed during the insulation process, consumers should also understand how to protect themselves when dealing with Insulation Contractors.
- It is important to get a price quote in writing before any air sealing and insulation upgrades are undertaken. The contractor should have an accurate idea of the costs involved at the conclusion of the initial energy audit.
- Consumers should also understand what recourse they have if they are dissatisfied with the work.
- The validity of the contractor’s credentials and licensure should be confirmed before any work begins and consumers should also check with their local Better Business Bureau (BBB) branch to see if there are any outstanding complaints on file against the contractor.
