ATLANTA PERIMETER NORTH Blog

Experts: Insulation Upgrades Offer the Most Savings vs Other Projects

Insulate and Save: The Best Home Investment!
Owning a home is an ongoing journey, and part of that journey is making it as energy-efficient and comfortable as possible. If you're considering investments to enhance your home's energy efficiency and overall comfort, you're on the right track. In this blog post, we'll guide you on where to begin to maximize your home's energy efficiency and comfort, drawing insights from authoritative sources. Plus, we'll explore how the Inflation Reduction Act can supercharge this already lucrative investment.

Foundation of Energy Efficiency: Insulation and Air Sealing
To set the stage for an energy-efficient home, prioritize insulation and air sealing. The U.S. Department of Energy (Energy.gov) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) emphasize that proper insulation and sealing air leaks are fundamental. These measures help maintain consistent indoor temperatures and significantly reduce heating and cooling costs.

Energy.gov's Comprehensive Resources
Energy.gov offers a wealth of resources to help homeowners get started. Explore their guides and fact sheets on home energy efficiency and insulation. Understanding the basics is the first step towards making informed decisions. 

NAHB's Cost-Effective Approach
NAHB research consistently shows that insulation and air sealing are among the most cost-effective ways to lower utility bills. Visit the NAHB's "Resources" section for insights into home construction and energy efficiency.  Insulation and air sealing (weatherization) make the list for top improvements one can make in their home, along with LED lighting upgrades.  If your home was built before 1990, there's a good chance you will see a material benefit from attic insulation and air sealing without conducting any sophisticated building science validations. This is because the building codes relating to insulation changed materially between 1960 to 1990 and thus most homes from that vintage and before are underinsulated.  Furthermore, there is a life expectancy for some types of insulation whereby it loses it's insulating value over time.  Meanwhile, other degradation of insulating values can occur just from changes that happen in and around the attic; for instance, contractors making changes and doing service work can disrupt the distribution of insulating materials.  Engaging with insulation contractors for a free assessment is fast and easy and can save you a bundle.  This comes for less expense, formality and commitment than a full blown home energy audit  However, if you prefer the exacting building science approach, local utilities often offer rebates on home energy assessments to subsidize such studies.

Berkeley Lab's Research
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory conducts extensive research on residential energy efficiency. Their publications and research papers provide valuable insights into best practices for improving home energy efficiency.  For the academically inclined, this is a place where one can get a deep understanding of the field through thorough and detailed publications.  Whenever you are ready, you can take outsource the work itself to an expert to get the results you are seeking. 

ENERGY STAR's Recommendations
ENERGY STAR, a program by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and DOE, recommends insulation and sealing air leaks as key elements in improving home energy efficiency. Browse their "Home Improvement" section for helpful guides and reports.  Being armed with this resource is a useful option, and at the same time, you might be satisfied to know from them that, "The attic is usually where you can find some of the largest opportunities to save energy in your home."

Secondary Upgrades
Once you've addressed insulation and air sealing, consider secondary upgrades. These may include the very approachable LED lighting retrofits mentioned above (jokes aside, virtually every homeowner can change a lightbulb).  You may also see value in more capital intensive investments such as energy-efficient windows, renewable energy sources like solar power, and advanced HVAC systems. However, keep in mind that these upgrades will tend to have a lower return on investment and are often most effective when your home's fundamental building envelope is energy-efficient; this means a clean bill of health on your insulation...and most importantly, the insulation in your attic.

Maximizing ROI with Energy-Efficient Upgrades
Let's assume that LED lighting upgrades are in your rearview mirror and now delve into the potential return on investment (ROI) for various energy-efficiency upgrades in the home:

1. Insulation: ROI can range from 50% to 200% or more, depending on the type and location of insulation.
2. Sealing Air Leaks: ROI is typically around 20% to 30% and can vary based on the extent of air leaks.
3. HVAC Systems: Upgrading HVAC systems can yield ROI of 20% to 40%, with higher efficiency systems offering better returns.
4. Energy-Efficient Windows: ROI can be around 10% to 30%, depending on the type of windows and climate.
5. Solar Panels: ROI varies widely but can be 10% to 30% or more over the long term, considering energy savings and potential incentives.
6. Smart Home Technology: ROI depends on the specific devices and usage patterns but can range from 10% to 30%.

The Inflation Reduction Act: Supercharging Your Investment
In addition to the inherent benefits of enhancing your home's energy efficiency and comfort, the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act has supercharged this already lucrative investment that you can make in your attic. This act introduces various incentives and tax credits aimed at promoting energy-efficient improvements in residential properties. By taking advantage of these incentives, you not only enjoy a more comfortable home but also maximize your return on investment (ROI) while contributing to a more sustainable future. Learn more about how the Inflation Reduction Act can make your home energy efficiency project even more rewarding.

1. Starting in 2023, every homeowner can get a Tax Credit of up to 30% of the investment in Insulation materials every year through 2032.  
2. This hefty incentive is aided by local utility rebates to further reduce your near term, out-of-pocket expenses.  
3. When you work with contractors like Koala Insulation, homeowners can take advantage of same-as-cash financing for 6 or 12months to make these investments even more attractive.

Conclusion
Investing in your home's energy efficiency and comfort is a wise decision that can lead to long-term savings and a more enjoyable living environment. Start by focusing on insulation and air sealing, as recommended by authoritative sources like Energy.gov, NAHB, Berkeley Lab, and ENERGY STAR. These foundational improvements create a solid base for other enhancements that can further enhance your home's efficiency and comfort.

Remember that every home is unique, so it's essential to assess your specific needs and consult with experts for personalized guidance. By taking these steps and considering the incentives provided by the Inflation Reduction Act, you're not only investing in your property but also contributing to a more sustainable and comfortable future for you and your family. Supercharge your home's efficiency today, and start reaping the benefits!

Contact us today at https://koalainsulation.com/atlanta-perimeter-north, by phone at (678) 993-0277 or book online at https://bit.ly/MeetKoala