How to Stop Your Home's Rising Energy Costs
by Owens Corning Canada
The cost of moving into a new home can be quite steep. New homeowners are often focused on buying new home furnishings, appliances and accessories. But one other important thing to consider is how your home can help you save money in the long run.
Insulating your basement is one way to help put money back into your pocket. An insulated basement can help reduce energy costs and increase your living space, as well as help increase the resale value of your home.
A substantial amount of heat can be lost through basement walls that are not insulated. Installing full-height fiberglass batts is a simple solution to achieve energy savings in your basement. The addition of this insulation will form a solid thermal barrier between studs and conserve energy to help reduce heating and air conditioning costs. Lastly, don’t forget to install a continuous vapour retarder on the warm side of the wall surface and drywall.
Here are a few other helpful tips that can help reduce your energy costs:
- Help prevent cold air escaping from your home by checking for drafts. You can reduce drafts by caulking, sealing and weather-stripping around windows and door frames.
- Replace old windows and doors to help reduce the transfer of air into the home and help decrease energy costs for homeowners.
- Consider installing energy efficient appliances.
To achieve the best insulating system in your basement you will need:
* Fiberglass batts between wall studs - Polystyrene rigid foam insulation board to apply on the exterior of wood stud walls
Combined, this insulating system will provide you with the best performance solution increase your insulating power.
This article is provided by Owens Corning. Owens Corning invented glass fiber, and glass fiber insulation, over 50 years ago. The Owens Corning brand and its full line of PINK insulation products has long been synonymous with trusted performance and brand preference. The company is a leading home building products company. Find Owens Corning products, discover how much insulation you’ll need for your basement renovation and learn how you can help reduce energy costs in your home at www.owenscorning.ca or call 1-800-GET-PINK.
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