It’s estimated that 40% of an energy bill is attributed to the energy used for heating and cooling. High energy bills are often times a result of structural issues that cause a loss of conditioned air. The more conditioned air your home is leaking, the harder your HVAC unit works to keep you comfortable.

An attic can leak 25% of your heated or cooled air, which may be why your bills are so high.

If you are suffering from high energy bills in the heat of summer or dead of winter, you should have your attic assessed for air leaks and poor insulation.

Air Leak Sealing

Air leaks create drafts in your home and are most noticeable in the winter. The majority of air leaks exist in the attic and can be corrected quickly. In fact, the hardest part of air leak sealing your attic will probably be the preparation work.

To properly seal air leads in an attic, the attic should be cleaned first. Old insulation and debris should be removed from the attic so that a technician can see where any cracks or holes exist. Once the damages are identified, they are sealed off with caulk or weatherstripping.

Poor Insulation

Insufficient insulation can be a huge contributing factor to your high energy bills. Gaps in insulation can create large opportunities for conditioned air to escape. Insulation that is too thin does not adequately serve its intended purpose to resist heat flow. Old insulation, which may have once been thick enough, settles and loses its effectiveness over time. New insulation is a responsible investment for your long term finances and comfort.

Fixing air leaks and replacing insulation may greatly reduce your energy bills. Luckily, these renovations will also make your home more comfortable and improve your air quality.