How Thermal Bridging Raises Your Electricity Costs
Have you noticed a spike in your monthly electricity bill despite taking steps to minimize electricity consumption? Thermal bridging, which normally accounts for up to 30% of heat loss in a household, might be to blame.
What is thermal bridging and how can you prevent it from raising your electricity costs?
What Is Thermal Bridging?
Thermal bridging occurs when heat starts to leak out through conductive or non-insulative materials in your walls or siding. Similar to water, heat follows the path of least resistance, which means it can leak out of your home through wall studs, plywood sheathing, junctions between your walls, floors, roof and window and door reveals.
How to Break Thermal Bridges & Reduce Heat Loss
- Install additional layers of insulation under your siding – The most efficient way to break thermal bridges is to install continuous insulation on your exterior. Without gaps in the insulation, heat can’t easily escape your home. You can have a contractor install additional insulating layers or perform siding replacement if your siding is looking a bit worn.If you’re planning on replacing your siding, it’s best to consult your local contractor about the types of siding that are best suited to your area’s climate. Most contractors would recommend that homeowners in temperate climates install insulated vinyl siding, which is cost effective, easy to maintain and has excellent insulative capabilities.
- Adopt an energy-efficient design for your home – Since your siding is the largest part of your exterior, it’s the most likely source of heat loss. However, heat can also leak out of other parts of your home if they’re made of materials with a low R-value (a value that indicates how well a material can prevent heat transfer). As such, it would also be a good idea to have your siding installation contractor inspect your home so they can identify potential sources of heat loss.
To make sure your new siding is installed properly, you should vet a contractor before hiring them. Here’s a vetting tip: The number of years a contractor has been working in the industry should give you a good idea of their level of expertise.
Eagle Creek Siding, LLC, a contractor with over 35 years of experience, offers a wide range of professional exterior services, including siding installations and exterior renovations. To request an estimate, call us at (360) 570-0396 or fill out this form.