The older home insulating - Part 2
Ceiling is the easiest thing to take care of. If you have an access to an attic you can insulate the ceiling with no further problems, the level you want is between R 38 and R 60.
Un-insulated basement may also result in money losses. There are two ways out of the situation: either you insulate the basement or hang a curtain or place the door at the basement entrance to prevent cold air from coming into the house. Whatever way you choose you will cut your energy expenses sufficiently.
The last but not the least section of the house to consider is your walls. The walls of your house is a true record-breaker in spending your money, as besides letting cold air pass buy it requires substantial financial investment in their insulation. If you are building a house there is no problem in laying the pink insulation between the outer and inner wall, but in an existing house this variant won’t do. Our recommendation is to turn to a local company that will ‘blow-in’ or ‘spray in’ the insulation using special devices. There are three types of insulation used in this way: foam (the best as it gets into all crevices and the most expensive), fiberglass (top 2) and cellulose. The same method is applicable to attic insulation so if you need both your walls and attic being insulated, ask for two quotations – only for walls, and for walls and attic. This method saves 30 % from you bills.
Nature can also help you in cutting your expenses. By planting evergreens near your north and west you protect your house not only from wind and cold air but also from direct sun rays. By planting deciduous trees near your south and east windows you protect your house from excessive heat in summer (the leaves will block direct sun rays) and allow the sun get into your house in winter (after they drop their leaves).
It may seem that insulating an older house is a big deal but if you think properly, consider all possibilities and choose the best for your case, your bills will be surprisingly small and you home full of warmth and care.
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