As you search for ways to make your home more energy-efficient, the first step should be an energy audit from Progressive Insulation & Windows. We can help determine where you’re losing energy and what steps, such as replacing doors and windows or adding insulation, could help reduce your energy costs. One of the options for many people is to add vinyl siding – but does it really work? Keep reading to find out and contact us at (800) 500-6200 to request a free estimate.

It is Important to Consider Your Home’s Envelope

When the average person thinks about ways to make their home more energy-efficient, they often think about what appliances they use, the Energy Star ratings of everything they buy, and entry points for drafts. What they are less likely to think about is the material that actually covers the house. The key is to make sure that the envelope that protects the inside of your home from the effects of weather is tight, sealed, and insulated.

A Home’s Envelope is Made Up of Many Elements

To secure the envelope as much as possible, there are many things you can do. The envelope is made up of the walls, both inside and out, but is also made up of paint, drywall, insulation within your walls, and the exterior materials of your home. An issue with just one of these elements can result in a significant reduction in the quality of your home’s energy efficiency.

The Efficiency Rating of Average Vinyl Siding

Engineers use what is known as the R-value to measure how well a material resists heat. The building code in most states requires that homes have an R-value of at least 13 – with a higher number representing a more efficient home. Consider that if a home is made from brick or stone veneer, that material is only adding an R-value of 0.11. Now consider that traditional vinyl siding has an R-value of 0.61 – more than five times as much.

You Can Choose Better Options than the Average Vinyl Siding

As you might have noticed, we used the term “average” when discussing the energy savings of vinyl siding. If you choose insulated siding, which is backed with foam insulation that has been permanently bonded to the panels, then the R-value can increase all the way up to a 5. Some experts say that this can result in as much as a 20% reduction in overall heating bills.

If you are wondering what steps you can take to make your home more energy-efficient, we invite you to contact Progressive Insulation & Windows at (800) 500-6200 at your convenience.