With colder temperatures quickly approaching, you’ll soon have to crank up the thermostat in your house. Keeping your home warm in the winter can be expensive, but, fortunately, there are steps you can take to improve energy efficiency and avoid the hassle of bundling up indoors. Here are a few ways attic insulation can keep out the cold winter air this season. 

What You Need to Know About Attic Insulation

Why Is Insulation Important?

Heating and cooling can take up 50 to 70% of a household's overall energy usage, so having adequate insulation to stabilize temperatures inside the home is a must. Installing insulation before winter arrives will give you time to patch cracks and other vulnerable areas before it gets too cold.

Acting early is the best way to be fully prepared for the entire season. Temperatures tend to be cool and dry right before winter comes, and these conditions make the installation process run smoother. Insulation doesn't just keep in the rising warm air during winter, though. You'll also be able to take advantage of savings during the warmer months thanks to its ability to retain cooler air and take some of the strain off your HVAC system.

How Should You Prepare?

Before your contractor starts installing any insulation, you should seal any noticeable leaks in the attic or the roof above. The more air-tight your attic is, the more effective insulation will be at preventing warmth from escaping the home. While you may be inspired to handle this task on your own during all those trips to the hardware store, you'll end up with more thorough results if you leave the actual installation to a company with the right level of experience.

Another simple way to add more insulation to your home is to stop using your attic for storage and add more insulation to the floor. If the floor is covered in plywood, a contractor can’t install enough insulation beneath it. Before the contractor arrives, find another area to store your seasonal items and childhood toys so your attic can get the insulation it needs.

If you're ready to improve your attic insulation, rely on the experts at Marchant Building Center in Mountain Home, AR. This locally owned and operated business provides top-notch building materials and insulation installation services to the Baxter County community. Call (870) 425-3168 for a free quote, or visit their website for more information on their services.