The Hidden Solution That Will Improve Your Home’s Cooling

Your biggest ally to beat the summer heat at home isn’t your air conditioner – it’s insulation.

Regardless of whether you have central air conditioning, a central heat pump or window A/C units, your cooling system is only as effective as the insulation surrounding your home.

Insulation stops the flow of heat. In the winter, it’s like a warm blanket that keeps the warmth from your heating system inside. In the summer, it’s more like a barrier that prevents the warm outside air from finding its way in. The thicker the barrier, the more effective it is.

If you’re struggling to keep your cool during the hottest part of the year or you feel like your air conditioner is always running to keep up – and using lots of electricity in the process – the culprit may be the lack of proper insulation.

Older homes especially lack the amount of insulation recommended, and Massachusetts has some of the oldest homes in the country. The median home age in Massachusetts is 54 years old (second oldest in the country), according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Even if your home isn’t quite that old you could still benefit from adding more insulation.

Your attic is probably a good place to start. It requires the most insulation of anywhere in your home and most homes don’t have enough. The Department of Energy recommends anywhere from R-38 to R-60 (R-values refer to the heat flow resistance – the higher the value, the more resistant), and they estimate a properly insulated attic can save 10-50% of your heating costs in the winter while also reducing cooling costs in the summer.

In addition to lower energy bills, your cooling system will get a break, which increases its lifespan. But most importantly, you’ll feel the difference in comfort.

Want to know where to begin? Schedule a no-cost home energy assessment. You’ll get the expert guidance of an Energy Specialist that will assess your home’s insulation needs. You may also qualify for incentives of 75% off approved insulation upgrades (up to $2,000) – depending on your income, you may qualify for enhanced incentives.

Click here to learn more about insulation and air sealing offers from Mass Save.