Recommendations from the Energy Expert – the Assistant Secretary of Energy Efficiency and Renewable EnergyWhy Insulate Your House?
Heating and cooling account for 50 to 70% of the energy used in the average American home. Inadequate
insulation and air leakage are leading causes of energy waste in most homes. Insulation saves money as well
as our nation’s limited energy resources. It also makes your house more comfortable by helping to maintain
a uniform temperature throughout the house. Your home will become warmer in the winter and cooler in the
summer. The amount of energy you conserve will depend on several factors: your local climate; the size,
shape, and construction of your house; the living habits of your family; the type and efficiency of the heating
and cooling systems; and the fuel you use. Once the energy savings have paid for the installation cost, energy
conserved is money saved – and saving energy will be even more important as utility rates go up.
Heat flows naturally from warmer spaces to cooler spaces
In winter, heat moves directly to the outdoors and to adjacent unheated attics, garages, and basements -
wherever there is a difference in temperature. During the summer, heat moves from the outdoors to the house
interior. To maintain comfort, the heat lost in winter must be replaced by your heating system and the heat
gained in summer must be removed by your air conditioner. Insulating ceilings, walls, and floors decreases the
heating or cooling needed by providing an effective resistance to the flow of heat.
