With electricity prices 10% higher than the rest of the nation since the 1980s, it is a well-known fact that life, in general, is pricier in California. But did you know that these rates have surged dramatically in the last few years, taking a huge toll on the wallets of property owners across the state? In fact, last year, California energy prices were 80% higher than the rest of the country. With gas, housing and grocery prices also rising, the last thing homeowners and renters want to worry about is paying more for electricity. And the biggest consumer of household electricity is heating and cooling.
So how do we cut down these costs? Easy, let’s start at the top of the house. The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association estimate that nearly 90% of American homes are under-insulated, leading in massive amounts of energy loss through the attic. In fact, about 25% of a home’s energy loss occurs through the attic from heat escaping in the winter or heat entering in the summer.
Attic Guard is a leading insulation contractor servicing Southern California from San Diego up to Orange County. Specializing in energy-saving insulation techniques, our services help homeowners save on heating and cooling throughout the year.
What Is Attic Insulation and Why Does It Matter?
Attic insulation is a material installed in the space between your roof and ceiling to regulate temperatures inside your home and improve your home’s energy efficiency. R-value (resistance value) is a rating system used for measuring how much insulation you need and how effective it is. Your home’s R-value is determined by the region it is in. In most of California, the recommended R-value for attics is between R-30 and R-60. The most common types of insulation in California homes are fiberglass, spray foam and cellulose, with fiberglass being recommended for California’s climate.
How Attic Insulation Helps Lower Energy Bills in California Homes
With a hot and dry climate, Southern California homes face months of sunlight and heat. Without proper insulation, your home will get very warm in the summer and very cold in the winter. Insulation helps prevent heat loss in colder months and heat gain in the summer. The insulation will seal in the cold air produced by your AC unit and reduce any escape, which will cause you to need to run your AC less. The same goes for your heater.
Signs Your Attic Insulation Needs an Upgrade
Insulation exists in your walls and attics, so it can be hard to determine if you need an upgrade or replacement. Keep your eye out for these signs and contact a professional insulation expert for assistance:
- Unusual spikes in energy bills
- Uneven indoor temperatures
- Drafty rooms or hot ceilings
- Pests like rats, mice or squirrels frequently enter your attic or living space
Attic Guard offers attic inspections for FREE, examining the efficacy of your current insulation systems and offers a tailored plan for your home to reduce energy consumption.
How Much Can You Save with New Attic Insulation?
Are you ready to save big on energy? The EPA estimates that homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs simply by improving their home insulation. And it pays for itself! Remodeling Magazine found that fiberglass insulation installation can generate a whopping 117% ROI. California offers various rebated and incentives for homeowners looking to improve their home’s energy efficiency through improved insulation. Talk to Attic Guard insulation experts to learn what rebates you may be eligible for.
Let Attic Guard help you achieve a more comfortable home and a cheaper energy bill with high-quality attic insulation services for residents of Southern California. Get in touch with us today for a FREE attic inspection.
