Spray Foam Insulation Can Reduce Energy Costs By Up To 50%

December 13, 2014

Every product manufacturer and every contractor makes product claims and promises.That's why it's important to be an informed, educated consumer.That way, decision-making is made easier, whether it's about choosing the right product OR the right contractor.As for spray foam insulation, it's a product and installation that is acknowledged to be more costly than others, but it's also recognized as a long-term investment that is well worthwhile.

The benefits and savings derived from a spray foam application are numerous.A well-executed install will deliver positive outcomes that overshadow the initial costs.And whether its new construction, a renovation, or a retrofit, spray foam makes good economic sense.The best news is about annual utility savings, and that includes BOTH energy bills electricity and hydro.It's not unlikely, in many spray foam installations, to reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 50%.

Substantial utility savings also contribute to a reasonable "payback period" for the project as a whole. That translates into a time period between 2 and 7 years, depending on the project size and the extent of the installation.Overall, it means energy savings and money savings, while enjoying enhanced indoor comfort from one season to the next.There is no other product, or combination of products on the market today that can deliver these kinds of savings.

There may be no need for an extensive cost/benefit assessment before deciding on spray foam, but it would be good to evaluate the bottom line.A reputable insulation contractor can help out with the numbers (without exaggerating or making extreme claims).For instance, the spray foam product and install may seem costly at first, but there are also savings - there's no need for additional sealing and caulking and no need to install a separate vapor barrier (labor costs).

There are various ways to estimate savings (short term and long term), and various methods to create "before/after" scenarios - all of these are worthwhile, prior to making a final decision.However, there are also things that can't be accurately measured.For example, a well-installed spray foam application will last a lifetime, and won't need replacement or replenishment, like so many other insulation products and applications.Long term, there's nothing that compares.

Another aspect of value that's hard to measure is product and installation assurance.Hiring an established, reputable contractor will ensure high quality products and a high quality install.As well, there will be warrantees that provide long-term assurance for the customer.It all translates into an installation that is performed properly the first time, without the need to re-fix, re-work, or worst of all - re-do.

Spray foam insulation is rapidly gaining industry acceptance with usage growing by nearly 40% a year.It's simple to understand - industry professionals believe in the efficacy of the product, and consumers are deriving the benefits, while realizing savings that are measurable.Also interesting to note are the homeowners who report higher resale prices on their homes, just because they decided to install spray foam insulation.