When most folks in Connecticut think about insulation, they are surrounded by snowy rooftops and high heating bills.
But here’s something you might not realize: home insulation works just as well in the summer as it does in the winter. Good insulation is actually one of the most effective ways to keep your house cool when it’s hot outside.
Keep reading to find out how insulation keeps you comfortable and saves you money on your energy costs, not just in the winter but all year long.
How Insulation Works Year-Round
Insulation’s job is to slow down heat as it tries to move through your roof, walls, and floors.
In the winter, it stops heat from escaping your house, so you stay warmer and your heating system doesn’t have to work so hard.
In the summer, it works in reverse, stopping the heat outside from seeping into your home. With good insulation, your house stays cooler in the summer, and you don’t have to run your air conditioning as much.
The Problem with Bad Insulation in the Summer
If you don’t have enough insulation in your house, or if your insulation is old and damaged, your house will soak up the heat all day long. Even if your AC is in good shape, it can only do so much if your home is leaking energy.
That means:
- Your AC works harder and longer to keep your house cool
- Your energy costs spike
- Certain rooms (usually upstairs or additions) stay hot no matter what
The Benefits of Good Insulation
Insulating your home has year-round benefits. In the summer, good insulation and air sealing lead to:
- Cooler temperatures throughout your entire house
- Lower energy bills, thanks to less AC usage
- More consistent comfort without super hot or stuffy rooms
- Less strain on your cooling system, reducing the risk of expensive breakdowns
- Better humidity control, which can prevent moisture and mold problems
Signs You Need an Insulation Upgrade
Your insulation is hidden away inside your attic and walls, and it’s not always easy to tell if you need more of it. But there are some signs you can look out for:
1. High Energy Costs
If your energy costs are rising and you don’t know why, it could be because of your insulation. Without good insulation, you need more AC to keep your house cool, which can spike your utility costs.
2. Temperature Swings Between Rooms or Floors
Is it cool on your first floor but sweltering as soon as you get upstairs? Temperature swings between rooms and floors are a clear sign of an insulation problem.
3. Your AC Runs Constantly
Your AC shouldn’t have to run all the time to keep your house cool. If it does, you have a problem. It could be an issue with the air conditioner itself, but it could also be your insulation. If heat is constantly seeping into your house, your air conditioner will run itself into the ground trying to keep up.
4. Missing or Damaged Insulation
Take a look at your attic and check if you can see any insulation. If there’s not a lot up there, or if you notice damage like dirt, mold, rips, or signs of pests, you need an upgrade.
Not Sure If Your Insulation Is Working? An Energy Assessment Can Help
If you’re not sure whether you need more insulation, a home energy assessment is the best place to start. An energy assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of your home’s energy efficiency that includes a detailed review of its insulation.
At New England Smart Energy Group, we offer Energize Connecticut™ Home Energy Solutions (HES) and Home Energy Solutions-Income Eligible (HES-IE) visits, which include much more than a standard energy audit.
During your HES or HES-IE visit, we will:
- Evaluate your insulation
- Test for air leaks that let summer heat in and AC out
- Seal leaks and drafty areas on the spot
- Provide a custom report with insulation recommendations
- Guide you through rebates and incentives that could cover most or all of your insulation costs
Rebates & Incentives Can Help You Pay for Insulation Upgrades
Connecticut homeowners can take advantage of big rebates through Energize Connecticut™ to significantly reduce the cost of insulation. If you qualify as income-eligible, you may even get your insulation installed at no cost.
Live in New Haven? You can access additional rebates through a city grant to help get your home ready for insulation upgrades. We help income-eligible homeowners claim rebates for health and safety work like mold and asbestos removal, and knob-and-tube wiring replacement, all of which are common barriers to insulation projects.
