If you’ve noticed your home doesn’t want to stay comfortable lately—whether it’s cold drafts in the winter, uneven temperatures, or high energy bills—it may be time to upgrade your insulation. Proper insulation is essential for keeping your home comfortable year-round while reducing energy consumption.
At Insulation Man, we have been serving the home comfort and efficiency needs of our neighbors throughout Binghamton, NY, for many years, and we know all the signs that a home needs new insulation.
Read on to learn how to identify insulation issues, and how you can save on the cost with programs like the NYSERDA EmPower+ rebates.
1. High Heating and Cooling Costs
One of the clearest signs your home needs new insulation is unusually high heating and cooling bills. When your home is under-insulated, your HVAC system has to work much harder to maintain a stable temperature. This increased workload translates to higher energy consumption, which in turn leads to more expensive utility bills.
The EPA estimates that homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs by upgrading insulation and sealing air leaks. Insulation helps keep conditioned air inside your home, reducing the need for constant heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. If you’ve been dreading those utility bills, it might be time to take action.
2. Indoor Drafts
Even with all the windows and doors closed, if you can still feel cold air, it’s likely that your insulation is failing to do its job. These drafts usually occur because there are gaps or insufficient insulation in key areas like the attic, walls, or crawl spaces.
In a properly insulated home, drafts should be minimal or nonexistent. If you’re constantly feeling the need to bundle up inside during the winter regardless of your thermostat settings, adding or replacing insulation can seal those drafts, ensuring a more comfortable living environment.
3. Different Temperatures from Room to Room
Does it feel like one room in your home is always colder or hotter than the others? Uneven temperatures from room to room, or from floor to floor, is a telltale sign of poor insulation. For example, if your upstairs rooms are significantly hotter in the summer or your downstairs rooms are colder in the winter, it’s an indication that heat is transferring between different levels of your home.
4. Cold Floors or Walls in Winter
Another sign that your home needs new insulation is if your floors or walls feel cold to the touch during winter. If these parts of your home feel chilly, it’s a sign that heat is escaping, and your home’s insulation isn’t performing as it should. These cold surfaces not only make your home uncomfortable but also force your heating system to run more frequently, driving up energy costs.
How to Save on Insulation Costs with NYSERDA Rebates
The cost of removing and replacing insulation deters many homeowners from this essential upgrade, but thanks to programs like the NYSERDA EmPower+ program, homeowners in New York have the opportunity to save significantly on insulation costs.
For low-income households, the NYSERDA EmPower+ program provides up to $10,000 in energy efficiency improvements at no cost. This can include insulation, air sealing, and other energy-saving upgrades. Moderate-income households can benefit from a maximum rebate of $5,000 on eligible home improvements.
By taking advantage of these rebates, you can offset the initial costs of installing new insulation, making it more affordable to create a comfortable, energy efficient home. Homeowners can start by scheduling a home energy assessment, which will pinpoint areas where insulation is lacking and recommend solutions that fit your budget and needs.
Sealed Rebates
Insulation Man is also proud to offer exclusive rebates in partnership with Sealed for residential attic insulation projects through NYSEG. Homeowners can access a $1,000 rebate for attic insulation, available only through Sealed, and Insulation Man is the sole contractor in the Southern Tier of NY qualified to provide the qualifying work for this rebate.
Call Woman-Owned Insulation Man for Expert Services
As Binghamton’s local and woman-owned insulation and weatherization company, Insulation Man is here to help you make your home more comfortable and energy efficient. Our experienced team specializes in identifying insulation gaps and recommending the most cost-effective solutions to improve your home’s performance.
With the help of the NYSERDA EmPower+ program, we can offer significant savings on insulation installation, making it easier for you to take action without breaking the bank. Whether you’re dealing with indoor drafts, high energy bills, or inconsistent temperatures, we’re ready to provide the expert guidance and high-performance insulation solutions you need.
