Energy Blog

Where Does Heat Escape Your House? (It’s Not Where You Think!)

October 15, 2018

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If you had to do your own audit of where energy was escaping your home, where would you start? If you’re like a lot of Little Rock homeowners, you’d probably look at doors and windows.

Many people think that gaps around doors and windows are the biggest energy wasters. They certainly are a concern, but what if I told you that it wasn’t the biggest concern?

So what is the biggest problem when it comes energy savings? Read on to find out!

 

How Much Air Escapes Through Windows?

Because we can see through them to the outside, and we open and close our windows frequently, we often think that windows are a major energy savings concern.

Perhaps we want to choose thicker windows, double-paned options, or simply focus on sealing drafts and leaks around the windows.

There’s nothing wrong with those efforts! However, they only save a small portion of your energy loss. Most sources say that homes lose 10% of their energy through windows.

So yes, definitely work on drafts and windows. Here’s a guide that will help you find and plug air leaks. But other things make a bigger difference.

 

Second-Most Energy Loss: The Attic

Ah, of course, the attic! Everyone knows a lot of their heated and cooled air escapes when their attic isn’t well-insulated.

25% of your energy loss goes through an uninsulated roof and attic. Consider getting an energy audit to find the problems you’re having upstairs. This is especially important in the winter – heat rises, so a poorly insulated attic can be a major concern!

Don’t assume that reinsulating will be more hassle and money than its worth. Energy prices are only going up, so any energy savings you can achieve will not only keep you more comfortable, it will save you a lot of money over time!

 

The Biggest Energy Savings Culprit: The Walls

Ah, if these walls could talk – they’d tell you they’re constantly transferring hot and cold air out of your house!

It’s a well-kept secret, but energy movement through your walls accounts for 35% of energy loss according to most sources.

Walls? You’d be forgiven for thinking that these solid structures would be the least likely to lose heat or cool air, but that’s not the case.

Remember, before 1980 there were no standards for insulating homes. As a result, homes that were made quickly and inexpensively were often not up to par. The thermal envelope around your home may be quite porous!

 

Retrofit Your Insulation and Improve Energy Savings Today

Do you shudder when you think of improving your insulation, assuming you have to have walls removed and major renovations take place?

We have great news – that’s not true at all! Both cellulose and foam can be blown in with very small entry points, which can easily be patched.

You don’t have to completely renovate your home or live with high energy bills. Let us help you improve energy savings with retrofitting – call us for a quote today!

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If you want all the benefits of spray foam insulation, call us today! (870) 307-2373

Reeves Insulation has been in business, in the Batesville area, for over 30 years offering insulation, replacement windows, air sealing, and weatherization. Owner, Marvin Reeves started in the general contracting industry and his background has transferred over to Insulation and Home Energy Conservation, providing homeowners and businesses energy efficiency services to lower energy bills. Our business is family owned and operated and our goal is to provide you the best job at an affordable cost.