The Impact of Insulation on Your Heating Bill

If you’re like most homeowners in Greater Ann Arbor, you probably feel the pinch of high energy bills every winter. Cold Michigan winters can drive up your heating costs quickly—but what if the solution isn’t just in your thermostat, but hidden behind your walls, above your ceiling, and beneath your floors?

The key to reducing those sky-high winter bills may be as simple as improving your home’s insulation. In this blog, we’ll explore how insulation affects your heating costs, where energy loss is most common, and how Koala Insulation of Greater Ann Arbor can help you save money and stay warm all season long.

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Why Heating Bills Spike in Winter

Ann Arbor winters bring freezing temperatures, snow, and harsh winds. When your home isn’t properly insulated, the warmth generated by your heating system can easily escape through the attic, walls, and other vulnerable areas. That means your furnace has to work harder—and run longer—to keep your indoor temperature comfortable.

The result? A higher monthly heating bill and unnecessary wear and tear on your HVAC system.

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How Insulation Reduces Heating Costs

1. Slows Down Heat Loss

Insulation acts as a thermal barrier, reducing the rate at which heat escapes from your home. This means that once your home is warm, it stays warm for longer—with less effort from your heating system. As a result, you burn less energy and see a significant drop in your utility bills.

2. Improves Energy Efficiency

Insulation increases your home’s overall energy efficiency. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that proper insulation and air sealing can save homeowners up to 15% on heating and cooling costs—and in colder climates like Greater Ann Arbor, those savings can be even higher.

3. Eliminates Cold Drafts

Poorly insulated homes often suffer from cold drafts that sneak in through gaps in the attic, around windows and doors, and through basement or crawl space walls. Adding or upgrading insulation helps seal those gaps, keeping your interior temperature consistent and reducing the need to constantly adjust the thermostat.

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Where Your Home May Be Losing Heat

To understand how insulation affects your heating bill, it’s important to know where heat escapes in the average home:

• Attic: Up to 25% of a home’s heat loss can occur through an under-insulated attic.
• Walls: Exterior walls without proper insulation allow heat to seep out and cold air to enter.
• Floors and Crawl Spaces: Cold floors are often a sign that your lower level is losing heat.
• Basement: Uninsulated basements act like giant refrigerators beneath your living space.
• Windows and Doors: While not insulated directly, poor sealing around these areas impacts efficiency.

At Koala Insulation of Greater Ann Arbor, we conduct professional home evaluations to find where heat loss is happening—and recommend targeted solutions that deliver real savings.

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Best Insulation Options for Reducing Heating Bills

Choosing the right type of insulation is critical for maximum energy savings. Here are the most effective materials for cold climates like Ann Arbor:

Spray Foam Insulation

• R-Value: R-6 to R-7 per inch (closed-cell)
• Best For: Attics, crawl spaces, rim joists, walls
• Benefits: Exceptional air sealing, moisture resistance, and long-term performance

Spray foam creates an airtight seal that minimizes heat loss and prevents drafts. It’s one of the most energy-efficient solutions available.

Blown-In Cellulose

• R-Value: R-3.2 to R-3.8 per inch
• Best For: Attics, wall cavities
• Benefits: Eco-friendly, good for retrofitting older homes, excellent at filling gaps

Cellulose is a great option for boosting attic insulation and bringing older homes up to modern energy standards.

Fiberglass Batts and Blown-In Fiberglass

• R-Value: R-2.9 to R-3.8 per inch
• Best For: Attics, walls, floors
• Benefits: Cost-effective and widely used

While not as airtight as spray foam, fiberglass is an affordable way to improve energy efficiency in newer homes or as part of a larger insulation upgrade.

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Real-World Example: How Much Can You Save?

Let’s say you’re currently spending $200 a month on heating during the peak winter season. With proper insulation, you could reduce that cost by 15–30%, saving $30 to $60 per month—or up to $360 over a 6-month heating season.

Over five years, that’s a potential savings of $1,800, not including the added benefits of comfort and increased home value.

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Signs You Need an Insulation Upgrade

You don’t need to guess whether your insulation is underperforming. Look out for these signs:

• Unusually high energy bills in winter
• Uneven room temperatures or cold spots
• Drafts near walls, windows, or floors
• Ice dams forming on the roof
• Furnace running constantly
• Cold floors on the first level of your home

If you’re noticing any of these symptoms, it’s time to schedule an evaluation with the experts at Koala Insulation of Greater Ann Arbor.

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Why Choose Koala Insulation of Greater Ann Arbor?

We’re proud to be Ann Arbor’s trusted insulation specialists, offering energy-saving solutions that work for your home and your budget. When you work with us, you get:

• Free insulation evaluations and energy audits
• Professional installation using high-performance materials
• Honest recommendations with no high-pressure sales
• Local service backed by national expertise
• Long-term savings and year-round comfort

Whether you’re building a new home, renovating, or simply tired of high utility bills, our team is here to help you make smart, lasting improvements.

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Call Today for a Free Estimate

Ready to lower your heating bills and enjoy a warmer, more energy-efficient home? Insulation is one of the smartest home upgrades you can make—and it pays for itself over time.

Call Koala Insulation of Greater Ann Arbor at (734) 519-0700 or visit our website to schedule your free estimate today. Let us help you take control of your energy costs and get the comfort you deserve this winter.