There are many benefits to improving your home insulation. If you’re considering a home renovation, increasing your insulation’s effectiveness can help you save money on utility bills, improve your home’s comfort and reduce your environmental impact. You may also be able to qualify for tax credits and other government incentives.

Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to improve your home’s insulation. By adding extra insulation to your attic and sealing leaky doors and windows, you should begin to see benefits almost immediately. In most cases, the cost of insulation improvements will be outweighed by the benefits.

Benefit #1: Lower Utility Bills

Heating and cooling costs make up between 50 and 70 percent of your total energy bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. One reason homeowners consider improving home insulation is the promise of lower utility bills. By properly sealing your home and adding insulation, cost savings in these areas may be up to 20 percent. If you live in an older home, adding insulation may be particularly important; by some estimates, only 20 percent of homes built before 1980 are adequately insulated.

Benefit #2: Home Comfort

Your home will be more comfortable if it is properly insulated. Insulation helps maintain your home’s temperature, keeping air warm in the winter and cool during the summer. Well-insulated homes also have fewer temperature fluctuations compared to homes that are not properly insulated, and better indoor air quality. In addition, insulation muffles noise and will help soundproof your home, and sealing air leaks will reduce drafts.

Benefit #3: Reduced Environmental Impact

Improving home insulation is one way to help lower your carbon footprint. By adding insulation, you should be able to cut your energy bill, thus reducing the amount of natural gas, coal or other non-renewable resource needed to heat and cool your home. In addition, improving water heater and water pipe insulation can help cut your water usage, as you’ll spend less time running the tap for hot water.

Benefit #4: Government Incentives

If you live in the United States, improving your home’s insulation may qualify you for a Federal income tax credit. In addition, state governments and utility companies may offer tax credits, deductions, rebates and grants to encourage homeowners to improve their insulation. To find out more about these programs, visit your state or local government website.

Other Benefits

Improving your home’s insulation may increase its resale value, should you ever decide to sell. In addition, adding insulation to your home should also prevent problems with moisture. Too much moisture in your house can lead to mold or mildew growth, which can damage your home and cause health problems.