Insulated Homes vs. Traditional Homes
When it comes to living sustainably, the type of home you inhabit can have a significant impact on your carbon footprint. Generally, there are two choices: insulated homes or traditional homes. In this post, we'll compare the two in terms of sustainability, energy efficiency, and costs.
Sustainability
Insulated homes are designed to be environmentally friendly. Low carbon materials like recycled glass, cellulose or sheep's wool are used to create insulation, unlike traditional homes that use materials that are harmful to the environment. Contemporary insulation materials are also more energy-efficient and sustainable than traditional ones. Therefore, the growth of insulation can go a long way in reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with basic construction.
Energy Efficiency
An insulated home keeps the heat inside and the cold outside very efficiently. With traditional homes, you invest a lot of money on heating and cooling, but still find that the hot and chilly air escapes through cracks and poorly insulated structures. This reduction in heat loss can lead to significant energy savings and carbon emission reductions. Furthermore, an insulated house enables you to use energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, such as geothermal, solar thermal or air source heat pumps.
Costs
Although an insulated home requires an initial investment, the costs of running it are highly reduced. Insulated homes can reduce heating demands by up to 70%, and so lower your bills. Approximately 25% of heat is lost through the roof, and 35% is lost through the walls. Investing in home insulation, therefore, is an excellent way to save money. On the other hand, traditional homes incur high energy bills due to high demands for heating and cooling, and the more significant environmental impact.
Conclusion
Insulated homes are undoubtedly more energy-efficient, sustainable, and overall greener than traditional houses. They can save you money in the long run due to the reduced use of energy from heating and cooling systems. An insulated structure is a considerable upfront investment, but it can save you thousands in heating bills and carbon emissions.
References
- Better Homes: Insulation - Energy Saving Trust
- Forbes: Why Building Green is Worth the Investment for Homeowners