DIY Tips for Insulating Your Home

May 6, 2019

If you have a home that isn’t well insulated, you can expect to have to pay more money on your monthly energy bills. This happens not only because a poorly insulated home forces the furnace and air conditioning to run more frequently, but also because it could necessitate the use of additional space heaters or window air conditioners if the interior temperature isn’t regulated well enough.

Upgrading your insulation is a project that provides a great return on investment. While it’s always best to consult and work with a professional to install insulation in northern California, there are some DIY options that you can keep in mind as well if you’re interested in upgrading your insulation this year.

With this in mind, here are some DIY tips for insulating your home that you may find useful:

  • Patch up leaks: One of the best things you can do to keep your interior air temperatures stable is to cover up any leaks with weatherproofing strips or caulking. The materials you need for patching up these leaks won’t cost you much at your local hardware store, but the energy you save can be a big difference-maker in your monthly bills. These leaks tend to be around doors and windows, but you may notice them in other areas around your home as well.
  • Use thick curtains: Thicker types of curtains, such as blackout curtains that are thickly lined, can help you keep the heat or cool air in your home. You can even add fleece liners to your existing curtains if you don’t want to have to go out and purchase all new curtains for your home. Drawing your curtains while heating or cooling your home can help add some extra insulation.
  • Plug your chimney: If your chimney isn’t actually being used, you can plug the hole with a “chimney balloon,” a device that’s covered in a laminate material that can be inflated once inside the chimney, effectively sealing it off. This closes off one pathway for air to escape and can help you make your home more energy efficient.
  • Address attic air leaks: The attic is one of the places in your home that is most likely to experience some significant heat loss. Insulating your attic space with foam can be a cost-effective and simple way of lowering your heating costs. Even a reflective foil material can be used—it won’t provide you with quite the same level of insulation, but it is still pretty cost-effective and will save you some money over time. Staple those foil sheets to the rafters on the roof in your attic.
  • Use a door snake: A door snake is a weatherproofing item that sits along the bottom of your door to prevent air from entering or leaving your home. You can make a DIY door snake with some items you likely have lying around your home.

For more information about DIY home insulation in northern California, or for professional assistance with your project, contact the team at Ace Insulation Inc. today. We look forward to helping you soon!

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Ace Insulation Inc.