Advantages

Improving insulation can save a lot of money. Insulation obstructs the flow of heat and is a cost-effective investment you should make. The effectiveness of insulation is measured by its resistance to heat flow which is known by the "R value." The greater the R value, the greater the effectiveness. One of the easiest and effective places to install insulation is in the attic, since heat rises from the rooms below. Insulation comes in different forms vermiculite, Styrofoam, fiberglass, pouring wool, shredded newspaper, and foamed-in-place types. Within the fiberglass and rigid foamed boards, are a variety of choices of heat-reflective coatings. Properly installed insulation will improve ones comfort and reduces heating and cooling costs.

Savings

Heating homes is one of the largest spending of energy in the nation and one of the biggest opportunities for saving. The average U.S. household spent more than $2,350 in 1999 for energy: $1,200 for home energy and $1,150 for motor gasoline to run vehicles.  $1,200 spent in the home, nearly half is spent for heating and cooling and which amounted to more than $50 billion in 1999.

For existing homes, upgrading your insulation will save money. The amount of savings will vary depending upon where you want to begin, how much insulation you already have. Visit Energy Star's Cost-Effective Insulation Values for Existing Homes for recommended values for walls, floors, ceilings, and basements.

When you double the R value of insulation, the heat flow through the insulated surface will halve. Your bill may not resemble halve because of other, less well-insulated surfaces in your home. Savings for retrofit insulation are on the order of 20-30% of your heating bill. A monthly heating bill of $200, can transform to $40-$60 in savings.