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It may seem obvious that your home’s attic needs insulation. But do you really know why it matters? Here are three reasons to upgrade your attic insulation and seal attic air leaks:

• Heating and cooling costs account for up to 50-70 percent of the energy used in an average home. Taking steps to improve your home’s energy efficiency keeps your energy bills low and reduces wear and tear on your HVAC system.
• Air naturally moves upward through your house. Adding insulation and sealing air leaks in your attic prevents air you’ve already paid to heat or cool from leaving your home.
• Insulating and air sealing your attic can prevent unconditioned air from coming into your home. This means your HVAC system has to work less to maintain your home’s interior temperature.

Adding insulation to your attic is one of the most cost effective ways to save money on your energy bills each month. Wondering if your home could benefit from additional attic insulation? Contact us for a free estimate.

Are you trying hard to enjoy summer – but sweating profusely over how much you’re spending on air conditioning? Saving money on your energy bills doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, there are a few simple things you can do today to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of your home.
Try some of these:

1. USE THE GRILL. On the warmest days of summer, keep your kitchen and home cool by using an outdoor grill for your meals instead of the stove or oven. Not only will you reduce strain on your indoor HVAC system, you can turn any day into a backyard party!

2. SWITCH ON THE CEILING FANS. Ceiling fans better circulate the cool air already blowing inside and the slight breeze keeps you cool too. Plus, using fans actually allows you to raise the temperature setting on your thermostat four degrees. This can help lower your electricity bills without sacrificing overall comfort. Bonus tip! Switch on your bathroom fans — they pull heat and humidity from your home which also improves comfort.

3. SEAL AIR LEAKS. Low-cost caulk can be used to seal cracks, openings and other heat penetration points in your home. Air sealing keeps warm air out and conditioned air (air you’ve already paid to cool) inside your home. Need help or have a bigger job than you can handle? Give us a call. We’re air sealing experts.

4. MAINTAIN YOUR HVAC SYSTEM. Having your air conditioner serviced annually can help keep it running efficiently (and help prevent those mid-summer break downs). Check and replace your furnace filter regularly (which also helps keep your home clean), and don’t forget about your programmable thermostat!
Setting your programmable thermostat to a higher setting when you are not at home can save an estimated ten percent on your energy bills annually.

5. SEAL DUCTS. Air loss through ducts can lead to high utility costs. Leaky ducts keep conditioned air from getting to desired rooms in your home, and they force your HVAC system to work harder. Leaky ducts account for nearly 30 percent of an HVAC system’s energy consumption! Sealing those ducts can go a long way toward lowering your electricity bills.

Questioning high utility bills this summer? Contact us today for a free in-home estimate.