Insulation and a High-Quality Heating and Cooling Unit | WellHome ...

Unfortunately, many homeowners make a huge mistake when they make financial decisions regarding home improvement. Namely, they invest a considerable sum of money in a high-quality heating and cooling unit only to forgo upgrading or even being concerned by the current level and quality of their insulation. This is a big mistake among homeowners, and it?s one that you want to avoid at all cost.

Quality Heating and Cooling Units are a Must

Buying a high-quality heating and cooling unit, such as an Energy Star unit, is a great idea. New heating and cooling units have been designed to be highly efficient, user friendly and are built to last. In short, they are useful investments that every homeowner should consider, especially considering that approximately half of your home?s energy goes towards heating and cooling. [1] If you currently have an old heating and cooling unit, then you should put replacing it at the top of your list (right next to installing more insulation). In fact, if you have HVAC equipment that is more than 10 years old, you should have it evaluated by a contractor. [2]

When used together, proper home insulation, as exemplified by spray foam insulation, attic insulation, structural insulated panels and a host of other insulation products, works marvelously well with high-quality heating and cooling units. You could even call it a ?one-two punch? for impressive energy savings; however, the simple fact is that one without the other is less effective. This is why you need to do both to get the best savings possible.

Photo Source: highcountryrefrigeration.com

The Major Benefits of Insulation

Which should come first, insulation or a new heating and cooling unit? Unless you have reason to believe that your current heating and cooling unit is a fire hazard or will fall apart at any moment, insulation truly is your better financial choice. Here is why; insulation will save you money instantly, no matter what condition your heating and cooling unit might be in. If you can only afford to choose one, either insulation or a new high-quality heating and cooling unit, then insulation should be your pick.

With home insulation options, such as blown in insulation, attic insulation and wall insulation, there are many benefits. You get more value out of every energy dollar you spend, your home has more protection against mold and the cost savings can last for literally decades! Generally, insulation is easy to work with. In particular, spray foam insulation can be particularly easy to work with, as it can reach those tough spots in your crawl space and attic. Many experts actually feel that attic insulation and crawl space insulation stand out as two of easiest spots in your home to install insulation. [2] Plus, these two spots are likely the most important since heat rises. [3]

Ideally you want to use both a high-quality heating and cooling unit and home insulation together, regardless of the insulation types you select. Insulation contractors will be able to tell you more about your various options. Working with a home energy auditor can really pay off, as you will learn more about what kind of heating and cooling units you should consider as well as what kind of insulation is right for your home.

Sources:
1. http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=heat_cool.pr_hvac
2. http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=diy.diy_attic_insulation
3. http://www.bhg.com/rooms/rooms/attic/attic-insulation-calculator/

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