Do You Need Windows or Insulation First?

With so many choices to improve your California home’s efficiency, getting started can be overwhelming. Many of our customers start by weighing the investment in new energy-efficient windows versus upgrading insulation in the walls and attic. But the real question is: Which efficiency upgrade—replacement windows vs insulation—delivers the biggest bang for the buck? The answer may surprise you!

Get Started With an Energy Assessment

Building science has come a long way in recent years. Greencat’s efficiency technicians can provide an informative window into how your home works and which improvements will deliver the most energy savings. Sometimes called an energy audit, Greencat’s energy assessment is a comprehensive diagnosis of what’s ailing your home. The assessment uses blower door testing and infrared imagery to see how effective your home’s current insulation is working. We also provide a visual review of your home from top to bottom to identify issues that can limit insulation performance, such as pest infestation, damp or wet material, and compression.  

Those Drafty Rooms May Not Be Caused by Bad Windows

Some of the symptoms of a poorly insulated house include drafts, hard to cool or heat rooms, and excess moisture. However, in most cases, the culprit of home comfort problems isn’t the windows, but rather the insulation hiding in the walls. Our years of experience confirm that window replacement is usually the last step to improving your California home’s efficiency.

Air Sealing and Insulation Combined Provide Peak Performance

The best investment for energy savings is a combination of new insulation and air sealing. Air sealing keeps outside air from filtering in through the gaps and cracks identified by the infrared imagery. Even though they may seem small, when added up, these gaps are like leaving a window wide open all year long! When properly sealed and insulated, your HVAC systems will not only be able to heat and cool your home more efficiently, but they’ll also be able to better control airflow inside your house, reducing allergens and dust.

What’s the Best Season to Upgrade Insulation?

Anytime is the right time to get a jump start on reducing your energy bills and increasing comfort. Greencat’s professional insulation team is equipped to work all year long. Our energy assessments can also be conducted during any season because the blower door tests and thermal imaging detect differences in temperature to spot air leaks.

Replacement Windows Versus Insulation

It’s important to note when window replacement is needed—when windows (and doors) aren’t functioning properly, are leaking rainwater, or are sticking when opening and closing. You should also consider a window replacement if you want to make aesthetic improvements to your home—window and door replacements offer a chance to enhance your home’s curb appeal and open up the views from each room in your home. But if better energy efficiency is your goal, you should start with insulation. 

What About Removing My Old Insulation?

Many customers ask about simply adding to existing insulation to improve the overall R-factor of their attic insulation. The short answer is that it's usually better to remove old insulation. Old insulation has a tendency to compact and collect moisture. Often pests and mold can be hiding under that blanket of old fiberglass or cellulose. Plus, removing old insulation allows our air sealing crew the best chance to access all the places that require sealing. 

However, every home is different, and if your old insulation has not been damaged, it may not need to be removed. We’ll examine your insulation carefully and let you know whether it makes more sense to take it out or leave it be. 

Now is the perfect time to get a comprehensive energy assessment from the pros at Greencat! Call or contact us today to learn more.