Is Your Insulation Working? Find Out with an Energy Audit.

Summer's coming and cooling season is almost here. So how do you save money on cooling costs? You've got to own your cold air. Simple as that. You've paid for all that cool, dry air already, so it doesn't make much sense to waste it now.

A simple enough premise - it's the application that gets complicated. We (and most building science experts) strongly recommend air sealing and then insulation as high priority measures to make your home use less energy, make you more comfortable, and make the planet happy.

Air sealing and even attic insulation can be done by a do-it-yourself-er, but wall insulation is trickier. It generally has to be done by a contractor, and for the most part can only be installed by getting inside walls that are now closed up.

This is an important point, because even if all insulation is created equal (a separate discussion), that doesn't necessarily mean that all insulation is equally well installed - which, in this case, is even more important. Insulation only works when it's installed to specifications, and when it's in good shape. So even if your home has insulation, even if you've seen it or paid for it, it may be sleeping on the job.  This infrared image is the end of a vaulted room; the insulation at the end of the room is not in direct contact with the wall (blue area) and isn't working.

The best way to assess the quality of otherwise "invisible" insulation is a home energy audit from a qualified home energy auditor with an infrared scanner, which will reveal where there are problems with your insulation.

Another reason why a home energy audit is really a problem-solving exercise. After you have it done, you'll know where the issues are. Without it, your home might just remain an unsolved mystery... The Case of the Uncomfortable House and the Disappearing Dollars.