Heating and cooling account for a significant percentage of the total energy costs in every home. One of the ways to reduce this expenditure is insulating the house. However, you have to find the parts of the home that account for most of the energy losses. By insulating these areas, you will not only maximise energy efficiency but also achieve indoor comfort. With this in mind, here are three main areas that require insulation for maximum energy savings.

Exterior Walls

Exterior walls are the barrier between your house and the outdoors. During the winter, they can allow heat to leak out of your home. In the summer, they can cause heat to seep back into the home. These scenarios can affect the performance of your heating and cooling system. During the winter, your heater has to work more to keep the house warm due to air leaks. Similarly, in the summer, the AC will consume more energy to keep the home cool.

Insulating exterior walls prevents heat exchange between your home and the outdoor space. This allows your heating and cooling system to work efficiently without wasting energy. You can take things further and insulate the interior walls as well. When installing insulation, hire an expert to ensure they leave no gaps between the spaces in the walls. 

Windows and Doors

Windows and doors are often ignored when it comes to insulating a home. However, they can also contribute to heat loss through the glass and framing. It's paramount to insulate these fixtures to ensure all-round energy efficiency in your home. Below are some insulating tips for doors and windows:

• Use double-glazed glass for your doors and windows, as it contains two sheets of glass sandwiched together to prevent heat loss
• Use framing materials such as fibreglass, foam-filled vinyl or wood, as they are poor conductors of heat
• Install weatherstripping beneath garage and exterior doors to prevent air leaks

Pay attention to all exterior doors, including bi-fold or sliding patio doors, as they can also contribute to heat loss.

Suspended Floors

Flooring contractors today use insulators beneath the floors to prevent energy loss. However, in old homes with crawl spaces, suspended floors can be notorious for accelerating heat loss. Thus, there is a need to insulate the floors and maximise energy efficiency. This also applies to the garage floor, especially if the structure is attached to the house. If left uninsulated, garage floors can leak cold air into the home and increase heating costs.

Most homeowners remember to insulate the attic and basement but forget these three areas which can cause significant energy losses. Talk to an insulation contractor to learn more.