WEST FLORIDA Blog

Home For The Holidays? Start Saving On Your Energy Bill Now

Those of us living in West Florida don’t often have to think about turning on the heating around the holidays, but whether you like to stay toasty at night or are simply thinking ahead to the summer, now is a great time to think about how you can save on your electricity bill now and in the coming year. 

The cost of living is on the rise, so we can’t afford to allow money to simply slip through the cracks. When we’re talking about heating and cooling - the two things that will add the most to your energy bill - that statement can be taken literally. If your home isn’t properly insulated, you may as well be throwing your money out of the window. 

Why does insulation matter? 

Your insulation is what keeps the heat in or out of your home, ensuring the inside of your home is the consistent temperature you desire. If your home is old, it likely has outdated insulation technology or the insulation has become old and is no longer as effective. The better your insulation, the more consistent your home’s temperature will be. 

How does home insulation help save me money? 

If you have a thermostat and an effective HVAC system, you may already have a home that’s always the temperature you want. But if so, and your home hasn’t had its insulation checked, reinforced, or replaced in over 15 years, you’re likely overpaying for the pleasure in your energy bills. 

Think of it this way; if your home has old or substandard insulation, it’s like driving along in the car with one of the windows down an inch. You have to have the fan blasting you with heat or cool air to keep you at a comfortable temperature - if it lets up, all your comfortable air will be negated by the open window. 

If your insulation is lacking and you’ve got draughty windows and doors, it’s the equivalent of having a window open. Your HVAC cannot simply get your home to the temperature you’ve got your thermostat set to and then turn off. Instead, it has to work much harder. And if your HVAC has to turn on, it’s going to be using energy. 

How much money can good insulation save me on my energy bills? 

Exactly how much you’ll save depends on your current state of insulation, how big your home is, and whether you actively try to save money in other ways, such as only heating and cooling the areas of the home you actively use. In general, however, you’ll save around 15% a year, though older homes with old insulation that are in need of air sealing can save as much as 25% (and even 50% in some cases!). 

What is air sealing? 

Have you ever stood by a door or window and noticed that there’s a little draught coming through a crack around it? If so, you’ve found an area where your heated or cooled internal air can slip out, and the external air slip in. That means your HVAC system will have to work harder to keep your home to the temperature you’ve set on your thermostat. The more of these little cracks there are around your home, the more money you’re going to be spending. 

The Solution? Get an Insulation Upgrade 

If you’ve been dealing with high energy bills, find that your home is never quite as warm or cool as you’d like (despite having a recently serviced HVAC system), or know that your insulation is well over 15 years old, it may be time for an upgrade. Our insulation experts serving West Florida can help you reduce your energy bills this holiday season and ensure you save money in the new year. We offer blown-in attic insulation, spray foam insulation, air sealing, and more, so if you’re not sure what you need, book a consultation and we’ll be happy to advise! To get started, click here.