Cold weather has swept into WNY with a forecast of snow showers later in the week. As furnaces fire up, many homeowners are wondering if they should get new insulation to reduce their heating bills.
The question is, which form of insulation is the best and most affordable?
According to James Hottum, vice president of Superior Insulation in Cheektowga, it really depends on how much a homeowner is willing to spend upfront.
Fiberglass is the cheapest while having the lowest efficiency and air sealing potential, explained Hottum.
Blown-in cellulose is the next best with it being more expensive.
At the top of the list, said the company vice president, is spray foam insulation which does the best job of filling cracks and gaps while sealing out cold air. However, it is the most expensive option of the three.
"Do you want to pay for it upfront or do you want to see it bleed out every month, a little at a time," said Hottum.
On average, a home with spray foam insulation can save close to 40% on its heating bills. Those savings can help recover the cost of the spray foam insulation over a period of 7 to 10 years, added Hottum.
One way to find out what type of insulation your home needs is to request a home energy audit by a state authority called NYSERDA: https://stars.nyserdagreenny.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-N-ukI-J3gIVT57ACh0FgwUrEAAYASAAEgKmxfD_BwE
Another way to find out more about home insulation is to review information posted by the U.S. Department of Energy: https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/weatherize/insulation/types-insulation
Income-eligible individuals can qualify for assistance to pay for home insulation installation though programs like EmPower New York: https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Programs/EmPower-New-York
More information about Superior Insulation can be found here: http://www.superiorinsulation.net/
7 Eyewitness News Reporter Ed Reilly asked James Hottum for advice on picking a home insulation contractor. Hottum suggests:
-Research insulation & contractors beforehand.
-Check with the Better Business Bureau before hiring a contractor.
-Ask lot of questions.
-Talk to multiple home insulation contractors.
-Make sure you are getting a guarantee with any spray foam insulation. If not, Hottum said, find someone else.
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