Increased Electric Bills. Can More Insulation Help Lower Them?

According to Dominion Energy Virginia’s 2024 Integrated Resource Plan filed in October 2024, Virginia residents can expect a projected 50% increase in their energy bills by 2039. The company reports the average household bill for Virginia families as of 2024 is $142.77. By 2039 they expect this to rise to $214.24.

With many families already feeling the impact of energy bills well over $200.00, they’re looking for ways to not only save money on energy bills but stay comfortable in their homes too.

Some alternatives to adding heat in the winter might be space heaters, but those can cost you a whopping $60-$90 per month each on your electric bill per heater for about 8 hours of use.

In the summer, running fans is a significantly smaller expense than running heaters at about $20-$25 per fan per month on your electric bill, but can still add up. If you go as far as adding something like a mini-split depending on the unit, you’ll be adding anywhere from $50-$150 to your electric bill per month.

Even with these “fixes” you’re not solving the problem of your HVAC system failing to keep your entire home comfortable. Fans and heaters add to your electricity bill and you’re going to spend time adjusting, moving, and worrying about the units.

So, what can you do to keep your home comfortable, yes even that one room that’s always freezing or hot, and help reduce energy bills? Insulation and air sealing are nearly always the answer. As two of the most cost-effective ways to increase the comfort and energy efficiency of your home, these projects can help you save up to 10% on your energy bills.

The savings impact that proper insulation and air sealing will have on your home’s energy bills will always depend on the current conditions of the home. Energy Star reports that 9 in 10 homes (90%) of homes in the U.S. are under insulated so, chances are, your home is a home that will benefit from these improvements.

Not only will air sealing and insulation reduce energy consumption and improve comfort, but it can also result in improved indoor air quality by helping to prevent outdoor allergens, moisture, and pollutants from entering the home. This reduces the risk of mold growth and raspatory issues.

In addition to making these improvements to your attic, you can also consider air sealing and insulating your ductwork. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is with spray foam insulation. This reduces the dust and allergens that can be pulled into your duct system and increases the efficiency of the system. Energy Star also notes that this measure can reduce greenhouse gas emissions further, contributing to better overall air quality.

The long-term impact of air sealing and insulation of your home and the savings that you will see in your energy bills means that over time the project will pay for itself financially. Making this a worthwhile investment in your home and your wallet.

To start tackling reducing your energy bills and improving your comfort in your home, call The Drying Company at 1-757-566-8622. Our Home Performance Advisors will do a free assessment of your home insulation and help you determine where you can make the biggest difference in your energy costs and comfort.