Architectural Designs

Will insulation help?

I live in a wood frame, brick home that is 70ft by 34ft....open floor plan. If I insulate under the house (the floor) and add more insulation to the ceiling, should by energy bills be less? And to what extent? I am a widow and cant afford the power anymore and wondered if the investment would be significant enough that I wouldnt have to leave my home. The house is built on clay soil so there is also significant moisture under the house. So much so that the air conditioner struggles to keep it out of the house. I put in a new split a/c-heat unit four years ago and already need a new compressor. Will the insulation help the moisture issue inside my home also? When insulating the attic, where the duct work runs, should I place layers of insulation on the duct work? Finally, it is a ranch style home with a gable at each end of the house. It is a feasible idea to have a fan put in one of the gables for extra ventilation on especially hot days? I would have to do the work myself due to the expense but am wondering if taking care of these problems with insulation would allow me the savings that I need to stay in my home. My power bill runs between $500 and $600 monthly during the summer and winter months. Walls are well insulated. Father built this house in 1988 and all but the floors were insulated.

Public Comments

1. insulating under the house and in the ceilings is ok but if the outside walls are not insulated then insulating the other two won't make too much difference.i would find a professional to come and give you an estimate what it will cost to fix your house so the energy cost will become considerably cheaper.i'm not saying to have them do the work but to just go along and hear what he has to say and just tell him you will have to think about it.he will have given you all the answers you were searching for.and if he calls you later to see if you want them to do the work,just say i'm sorry but i found someone to do the work but thanks anyway.and if he ask who you got to do it ,just say i'd rather not say but thanks anyway
2. First, yes, insulation will help lower the utility bills. But I can't put a number on the savings. Keep you bills before and after the insulation (and other improvements) and compare the energy consumption of each. Keeping tabs on the consumption is always a good idea.And yes to added insulation on the duct works. Another addition to the duct works would be a dehumidifier. This will greatly reduce the humidity in the house. And the fan in the attic is also a good idea. Before doing anything check your local energy assistance for financial aid as there are many different programs offered in many regions. There are also tax breaks from the monies spent on energy saving improvements on different levels. Again, worth looking into. Another idea may be shutting down heating and AC in rooms not used by yourself. I assume you live alone. Why heat or cool a bedroom, den, etc....Even the kitchen doesn't need cooling if there is one room that can be retreated to. Always keep pipes from freezing. Here in Anchorage, Alaska the city has a program where the maintenance crews replace windows, door, and added insulation at no cost to the home owner. That's a fine program, I hope your area offers the same. There are consultants that can be hired that can recommend what is actually best for your house. Good Luck with it all and do your homework.
3. is the unit under the house? try to find out if you can relocate it out side in a well ventilated area. IDK if you have any homeowners restrictions realted to where to place the A/C unit but in a humid place sounds like a bad location to me. if the house is humid underneath try allowing fresh air to flow under it, in the same manner you suggested to install a fan on the gables but instead on the side skirt of the house if possible. fresh air will take care of a big amount of humidity dissipation. have someone who knows about insulation and such take a look at the rooftop vents they might be too little in order for them to allow enough heat to flow out of the attic. this would explain your need for a vent or a fan at the gables. gl