GREENVILLE Blog

How Can Insulation Lower Your Energy Bills in Northern South Carolina

Almost a third of U.S. households are having difficulty paying their energy bills, according to the Energy Information Administration. With most of the Southeastern United States still locked in a heatwave, many homeowners are seeing record highs in both temperature and utility costs. When it comes to savings and comfort, which do you choose to undercut in order to preserve the other?

Don’t suffer through extreme temperatures just to keep your energy costs lower! Here are a few ways you can start reducing your monthly payments while also improving the comfort of your environment.

4 Energy Efficient Ways to Lower Greenville Area Energy Costs

1.  Improving Appliance Efficiency

Did you know that the size of your appliance is directly proportional to the amount of energy it needs? This means that large appliances like your refrigerator, laundry machines, and dishwasher are all major culprits of energy usage. Unfortunately, it’s not a simple task to reduce the usage of these appliances, especially if you live in a larger household.

An easy habit to get into is to remember to run larger machines at full capacity. You can reduce the need to use them by only running your dishwasher or laundry machines when they have full loads. You may have also heard that unplugging items that aren’t in use can help you save more every month. While these are effective tactics, some homeowners may find it difficult to remember these practices throughout the year.

For bigger savings and fewer habit changes, there is an easier solution. Koala Insulation of Greenville is a certified ENERGY STAR Partner, working with organizations that prioritize improving your environment while also offering energy-efficient products and services. ENERGY STAR also helps reduce costs by designing rebate programs for upgrading various appliances. These energy-efficient options and recommended devices use less energy while running just as efficiently to reduce your expenses.

2.  Scheduling An Insulation Retrofit

Updated insulation keeps your home temperature regulated and contributes to the climate control capabilities of the building. Installed throughout the house, the material reduces heat transfer, which is how heat moves through structures and enters or exits your home. If your insulation deteriorates, becomes damaged, or has been improperly installed, the HVAC system is going to struggle to keep your home cool throughout the summer.

Insufficient insulation coverage can lead to an overworked HVAC unit, disrupted ventilation, and staggering energy costs. You'll also see an increase in maintenance fees to repair these systems from damage and overuse. On top of these higher monthly costs, you're likely to experience drafts, cold spots, and other uncomfortable side effects.

The best solution to these problems is retrofitting insulation, which is removing old or damaged materials and replacing the necessary R-value. While certain types of insulation can last up to 15 years, problems like moisture or pest infestation can drastically increase the rate of deterioration. If you’re noticing irregular temperatures and discomfort, it’s time to schedule an evaluation.

3.  Sealing Air Leaks

Another important practice that will help you reduce energy waste is to seal air leaks. Air sealing goes hand-in-hand with updated insulation. Unsealed gaps, cracks, and small openings throughout the building envelope disrupt airflow, allowing conditioned air to be released outside and contributing to uncomfortable temperatures.

Air leaks are another reason your HVAC unit may be running more often since it constantly has to replace the escaped air. These openings throughout the house are just as problematic as leaving a window or door cracked all day and night. They let air out as soon as it's produced, leading to higher energy bills throughout the year.

In addition to higher costs, air leaks also increase the risk of health hazards. Unfiltered air from outside brings in particles like dust, allergens, and other pollutants that decrease your indoor air quality. You may expense increased respiratory irritation, allergic reactions, or difficulties with illnesses such as asthma. Properly air sealing your home isn't just about reducing your utility bills in northern South Carolina but also improving your health.

4.  Changing Your Light Bulbs

You can also improve your energy efficiency by making small changes in your environment and habits to help reduce bills. Take a look around your home for any incandescent light bulbs. These out-of-date appliances need to be replaced because of their high energy usage, dim lighting, and high heat production. They're even being phased out of recommended use in favor of more efficient modern alternatives.

Replace incandescent lighting with newer options like compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) and LED bulbs. These options are well-known for being energy-efficient alternatives that produce more light without emitting much heat. On average, they use about 75% less energy in comparison to incandescent light bulbs.

In addition to changing out older light bulbs, it’s also a good practice to turn off lights when you leave a room. While the impact may sound minimal, lighting can contribute on average between 5%-10% on your electric bill, adding up more than you think every month. Improve your efficiency further by placing lamps and portable lighting in optimal areas to use them more than your ceiling lights - this practice is also better for your eyesight. Finally, remember that opening the blinds and curtains for natural lighting is a great way to cut down even further on your energy usage.

Learn More About How Insulation Can Improve Your Environment

Don’t let the summer heat take a toll on your savings. From Easley and Piedmont to Taylors and Simpsonville, your local experts at Koala Insulation of Greenville are here to help improve our northern South Carolina communities. Contact our industry professionals today to schedule your free evaluation and learn more about safely cutting costs on your energy bills.