Seal in Your Savings: Why Insulation and Air Sealing Matters for the Heating Season

As temperatures start to drop in Massachusetts, now’s the perfect time to make sure your home is ready for the winter months ahead. A well-insulated and properly air sealed home not only keeps you cozy but helps you save money and energy, too. The Sponsors of Mass Save can show you where your home could be more efficient and how insulation and air sealing can help you stay comfortable year-round. In this blog, we’ll break down why insulation matters, how to tell if your home needs more of it, and easy ways to get started.

Why Insulation and Air Sealing Matter for Heating Season

Insulation and air sealing are often overlooked when it comes to saving energy, but they’re two of the most effective ways to keep your home comfortable year-round. Insulation helps your home hold onto the temperature you want, keeping the heat from escaping in the winter and the air cool in the summer.

Air sealing goes hand-in-hand with insulation. It helps close the small gaps and cracks where air tends to escape, such as in attics, basements, and around piping, windows and doors. Using materials like caulk, spray foam and weatherstripping, air sealing blocks those leaks to reduce drafts, improve efficiency, and make your home more comfortable no matter the season.

The benefits of insulation and air sealing improvements include:

• Lowering heating and cooling costs by up to 15 percent
• Decreasing drafts to improve comfort and humidity all year long
• Minimizing outside noise for a quieter, more peaceful environment
• Preventing allergens and pests from entering your home
• Reducing the chance of ice dams, protecting your home from potential damage

Signs Your Home May Need Better Insulation and Air Sealing

It’s easier than you might think to spot the signs that your home could use better insulation or air sealing. Before heating season kicks in, check out the list below. If you notice one or more of these signs, it’s a good indication that it’s time to take action.

• Cold spots and drafts: You feel chilly air coming through windows, doors, or other openings
• Inconsistent room temperatures: Some rooms feel uncomfortably cold or hot compared to others
• Cold floors, walls, or ceilings: If these surfaces feel cold to the touch, your insulation may not be doing its job
• Moisture problems: Condensation, damp spots, or leaks around fans, vents, or in the attic could signal poor insulation or air leakage
• Frozen pipes: Inadequate insulation can expose pipes to freezing temperatures and cause them to burst
• Ice dams: When warm air escapes from the attic, it can melt snow on the roof that refreezes at the edges, creating ice dams
• Pests: Small gaps or cracks in insulation can create easy entry points for mice, insects, and other critters

How to Get Started

So, you’ve spotted some of the signs, now what? The best place to start is by scheduling a no-cost Mass Save Home Energy Assessment. During the visit, an Energy Specialist will identify areas where your home could be more efficient, recommend upgrades, and help you take advantage of available rebates and incentives.

After the assessment, you’ll receive a personalized energy report outlining the rebates and incentives you qualify for. These may include 75–100% off approved insulation improvements and no-cost targeted air sealing, making it easier than ever to boost your home’s comfort and efficiency.

Call 866-527-SAVE (7283) or visit MassSave.com/HEA to schedule a no-cost Home Energy Assessment.

Now that you know the benefits, signs, and steps to take, act now so you can feel the difference this winter. Proper insulation and air sealing keep your home warmer, more comfortable, and energy-efficient, all while helping you save money throughout the winter. Start with a no-cost Home Energy Assessment to discover opportunities, access incentives, and seal in your savings before the heating season begins.