When is the best time of year to install insulation? Many homeowners may be finding themselves asking this question. There is no straight answer. There are several different factors which may come into play when making this decision. Among these are the type of insulation you plan to use and the climate where you live. You also need to consider the cost of whatever insulation material you choose and how much of it you may need. The difficulty of the job will also come into play to help you determine what time of year you want to get it done. You will also want to consider the potential energy savings that you will enjoy as an additional incentive to do the work and to help you decide upon when it should be done.
Everyone knows that insulation is a great way to conserve energy and save on your utility bills. In some areas of the country, the cost of keeping your home at a comfortable temperature makes up as much as 60% of your monthly energy usage. In one example, the installation of new foam board insulation in a singular room can significantly lower the cost of heating, up to 20%.
Timing your insulation right can increase your savings even more! In this article, we will outline three important factors to help you consider what time of year you might want to execute your project.
Climate
If your home is in an area with extreme winter weather, you will want to install your insulation before the end of fall so that you can keep your house cozy during those long cold winter months. If the climate in your area is typically warmer, you may be able to hold off installing insulation for a little longer.
The time of year you purchase your insulation will vary depending on which type of insulation you choose and the location where you live. For example, if you live in an area where the winters are milder, you might consider using fiberglass batts, because they can be easy to install during the warmer months. However, if you decide that fiberglass batts aren’t necessary, you might consider a rigid foam insulation that will help to keep your home cooler during the summer.
Ease of Installation
Installing insulation can be a daunting task, but with the right tricks and a little know-how, you can complete your project in several hours. It may behoove you to consider planning your installation when you are already working on another project within your home. This can prevent you from having to do the same work over again twice.
For example, let’s say that you’re installing a new kitchen, you can install insulation behind your cabinets and under new flooring. Obviously, this will be much easier than going back to install insulation after the new kitchen is already built. Installing insulation before you do anything else will also help to ensure that you do a thorough job because you won’t have to work around any other obstacles.
Some places in your home like the attic or basement might be easier to insulate than others, like existing walls for example. When you are deciding upon an installation project consider the relative ease and whether the project will be worth the effort.
Beginning with your attic is a great place to start. Most attics are left wide open making the work easier to do and having proper insulation in your attic can make a big impact on your monthly bill. Since the attic is easy to get to without too many obstacles, it’s a project that you can undertake without waiting until your next remodel, and can be done any time of year!
After you’ve insulated your attic, the basement might be the project that you want to take on next. It’s worth the time and effort to install insulation here because it’s easy to access and can also be a huge source of lost heat energy. Additionally, a finished basement can give you more living space and increase the value of your home. If you install a rigid spray foam insulation before the rainy season, you can help to protect against flooding.
Insulating the walls and ceiling in your garage is another project that may be completed easily and could make an impact on your monthly energy consumption. This can help to make your garage a useable space year-round!
Cost
When you are considering the best time to insulate, the cost will obviously be a major factor. Obviously, some insulation materials are costlier than others, but be sure to factor in potential the cost savings you will enjoy that will offset the cost of the initial installation. You can surf the web for a tool to help you estimate how much you might save on your annual heating bill if you choose to insulate sooner rather than later.
The cost of insulation will vary depending on what type you choose and how much you need for your project. Keep in mind that while a more expensive type of insulation might cost more upfront, it will often pay for itself in energy savings before long.
Keep these 3 factors in mind when you are considering the best time to insulate. For many people, the cost may be the most important factor determining when you are able to get your project done. However, don’t cut any corners! If you need to wait a little longer so that you can afford the best quality materials, it could be worth it!