Many people only think about their home’s poor insulation and air gaps in the winter. As temperatures get colder, they get concerned about heat loss, high energy bills, and cold drafts. While these are all important, the worry shouldn’t go away in the summer. An uninsulated and poorly sealed home will allow warm, humid air to enter and cold, air-conditioned air to escape. The result is persistent discomfort and expensive electricity bills.
Insulation and air sealing services are your primary line of defense. Below, we’ll discuss the purpose of each, how they’ll benefit your home, and how you can qualify for up to 100% off the cost of these upgrades with the Mass SaveⓇ program.
Insulation’s Role Against Summertime Heat
Heat always flows from areas of high temperature to areas of low temperature. This process is called heat transfer. Insulation works by slowing heat transfer into and out of a home.
In the winter, the inside of your home is warmer than the cold air outside, so your heat tries to escape through the walls and studs. In the summer, the reverse happens. The hot, humid air that’s outside tries to seep into your home.
When your home is poorly insulated, heat transfer happens much more quickly. As a result, your home will feel warmer during the summer. Your air conditioning system will also have to work harder to keep up, which increases your electricity usage and utility bills. But when you have proper basement, wall, crawlspace, and attic insulation, your home stays cooler and your AC runs less.
The Importance of Air Sealing for Massachusetts Homes
Most homes, especially older ones in Massachusetts, have air gaps. It’s common for them to be present in the attic and basement. Unfortunately, these air gaps provide a quick, easy way for air to escape and enter your home. Hot, muggy summer air can find its way inside, raising your home’s temperature and humidity. Cool, air-conditioned air can find its way out, causing you to waste energy and money.
By investing in air sealing, you block the pathways that allow air to enter and escape your home. The cool air your AC produces will stay in the home where it’s intended to be, helping your family stay comfortable throughout the summer. Your AC will also run less frequently, reducing your energy costs.
How Insulation and Air Sealing Can Work Together
Whereas insulation slows heat transfer, air sealing slows air movement. While they may serve two distinct purposes, it’s crucial for them to be used together to make the biggest difference in your home. Spray foam insulation is typically the best solution for this because it accomplishes both jobs at the same time. When you have adequate insulation and a well-sealed home, you benefit from:
- Lower Utility Bills: The longer your cooled air stays inside your home, the less your air conditioning system needs to run, resulting in lower electricity bills. The EPA estimates that air sealing a home and adding insulation can save up to 15% in annual heating and cooling costs.
- Less Wear and Tear on Your HVAC System: The less your HVAC system runs, the less wear and tear it receives. Air sealing and insulation can extend the lifespan of your AC components and reduce the frequency of repairs.
- Better Comfort: When climate-controlled air can’t escape your home and outdoor air can’t enter, your family can enjoy more consistent and comfortable indoor temperatures.
You Could Receive These Services For Up to 100% Off
The Mass Save program provides sizable rebates for energy-efficient upgrades. If you are a customer of a participating utility company in Massachusetts and live in a one to four-unit home, you’re eligible.
Under the program, all eligible households can receive air sealing at no cost. At a minimum, you can also receive 75% off insulation, but if you’re income-eligible, you could receive it for up to 100% off.
To get started, you’ll need to schedule a no-cost home energy assessment with a Mass Save home assessment contractor. Neeeco is an official Mass Save partner that can perform the assessment and the weatherization work. We’ve served thousands of families in Massachusetts, so if you’re looking for air sealing or insulation near you, don’t hesitate to get in touch.