ST. PAUL Blog

Winter Weather INSIDE? Air Sealing & Insulation are the Answer

Unless you’re brand new to the area, you already know that St Paul winters are cold. The kind of cold that seeps into your bones and makes you wear so many layers when you go out after dark that your range of motion is limited. We can all put up with the cold provided we can head inside to get warm, but what about when your home doesn’t feel all that much warmer than outside?

If you find yourself wearing several layers inside or shying away from the windows because it’s too cold, and it’s not just because you’ve set your thermostat low, it may be time to make some changes to your home. Read on to find out what you need to do to avoid wearing your entire sweater collection indoors!

What can I do to keep my home warm this winter in St Paul?

The first and most well-known way of keeping any building warm is insulation. Insulation controls the heat flow in and out of your home, which is why it’s a year-round benefit. It retains valuable heat during the winter and keeps heat out during the summer. Insulation prevents heat from seeping into and out of buildings through the walls and roof. There are three primary forms of insulation:

• Blanket (batt) insulation: this comes in the form of fiberglass or wool batts that are installed in sheets and laid between the studs in floors, walls, and attics.
• Blown-in insulation: this insulation is usually made from cellulose or fiberglass but can also be made with mineral wool and even recycled denim
• Spray foam: known to strengthen walls and reduce noise within apartment blocks, this form of insulation is the most effective at keeping heat inside your home

Regardless of the type of insulation used, it will all help to reduce your energy bills and keep you more comfortable.

You should also think about air sealing. Over time, our homes develop cracks that allow cold winter air to pass in and the warm air out of our homes. You need to regularly reseal your doors and windows to prevent this from happening.

Home Insulation Doesn’t Last Forever

It’s important to remember that home insulation needs replacing from time to time. The insulation that was put in when the home was built may no longer be effective. Your home may also have developed some draughts over the years around the windows and doors which allow the heat to slip out, even if your insulation is still in good condition.

What are the benefits of having new home insulation?

• Comfort in all seasons: One of the main reasons people opt to have their homes insulated is to achieve a more steady temperature across all seasons. Insulation is a good way of avoiding sweltering heat in the summer and uncomfortably cold temperatures throughout the winter.
• Save money: Another advantage of having an insulated home is the reduced reliance on air conditioning units and heating. With a better-insulated home, you’ll have less need to cool and heat your home, saving you money and energy. And when you do choose to turn the heating on, you’ll feel the benefits of it far more since the heat won’t be escaping through the walls and ceilings.
• Reduce the risk of costly repairs: With proper insulation, you can also reduce your risk of finding ice dams on your roof! Ice dams can cause leaks, water damage, and potentially expensive repairs to conduct. The same goes for your pipes - better insulation can help prevent frozen pipes which often lead to leaks.
• Reduce exposure to mold: Insulated homes are also less likely to suffer from dampness, mold, and mildew, all of which are health hazards to those with respiratory issues such as asthma, emphysema, and COPD. Not only that, but mold that gets out of control can be difficult and expensive to remove, so proper insulation is a sensible pre-emptive strike.

Insulate and Seal to Stay Comfortable in St Paul

If you dread getting out of the shower each morning because your home is never warm, it’s time to get your insulation looked at. Fresh and modern insulation is by far the best way to decrease your energy bills and stay comfortable year-round. Our St Paul insulation experts, Koala Insulation of St Paul, can work with you to make your home a more comfortable place to live this winter. To learn more or to book, click here.