June is a great time to think about energy efficiency in your home. As temperatures rise across Allentown, Bethlehem, and the greater Lehigh Valley area, your air conditioning system begins working overtime. If your home is under-insulated or improperly sealed, you could be losing energy — and money — right through the roof without air sealing.
At Lehigh Valley Insulation, we help homeowners improve comfort and reduce energy costs by combining proper insulation with effective air sealing strategies.
Why Air Sealing Matters
Many existing homes in the Lehigh Valley are not insulated as well as they should be. Even homes with some insulation can still suffer from air leaks around attic access panels, sidewalls, basement rim joists, and other gaps.
Air sealing works hand-in-hand with insulation. While insulation slows heat transfer, air sealing stops conditioned air from escaping and outside air from entering.
Without proper air sealing:
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Cool air escapes in the summer
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Warm air escapes in the winter
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Moisture can accumulate in attic spaces
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Energy bills increase unnecessarily
Anything less than proper insulation and air sealing can mean wasted money going right through the roof.
Attic Insulation and Air Sealing
Your attic plays a critical role in your home’s energy efficiency. Because heat rises, the attic is a major point of energy loss. We recommend insulating attics to meet the Pennsylvania state energy code standard of R-38 or greater. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulation power.
Blown-in fiberglass insulation is one of the most effective solutions. It covers every nook and cranny in the attic space, even inaccessible areas, and can be installed directly over existing insulation.
However, insulation alone is not enough. A properly insulated attic must also be adequately ventilated and sealed to prevent moisture buildup and ensure proper airflow.
Don’t Overlook the Attic Stairway
One of the largest gaps in home insulation is often the attic access panel. This opening allows significant heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.
The Draft Cap attic stairway insulator is a simple yet powerful solution. Made of durable expanded polystyrene foam, it reduces air leakage and satisfies current building codes with an R-value of +11.
Lightweight and easy to install, the Draft Cap helps stop energy loss at one of the most vulnerable points in your home.
Basement and Garage Air Sealing
While warm air rises, heat can still escape through uninsulated or poorly sealed basement and garage ceilings. Rim band and joist areas are common sources of drafts and energy loss.
Insulating and sealing these areas can dramatically improve comfort and reduce heating and cooling costs. Properly addressing basement and garage insulation ensures your entire home benefits from improved energy performance.
Exterior Sidewall Insulation
If your home feels “cold and drafty” in winter or “hot and uncomfortable” in summer, your sidewalls may be under-insulated or leaking air.
Lehigh Valley Insulation specializes in exterior sidewall re-insulation with minimal disturbance to your home’s structure. By sealing and insulating these areas, we help maintain a more uniform temperature throughout the house.
As fuel and electrical costs continue to rise, investing in sidewall insulation and air sealing makes even more financial sense.
Quality Installation Makes the Difference
At Lehigh Valley Insulation, our work stands out because our employees are paid hourly instead of by piece work. Many installers prioritize speed over quality. We prioritize precision and attention to detail.
We adhere to three basic principles:
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Use the best materials available
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Install to the highest standards
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Provide fair and reasonable pricing
Whether it is attic insulation, stairway insulators, basement insulation, commercial applications, or new construction projects, we do every job right the first time.
Improve Comfort and Lower Energy Costs
If your home is under-insulated or not properly air sealed, now is the time to take action. Summer cooling bills are a strong reminder of how much energy can be lost through poorly insulated areas.
Should you decide to create a more energy-efficient and comfortable home, contact Lehigh Valley Insulation to discuss your insulation and air sealing needs. Let us help you reduce energy waste and improve comfort throughout your home in Allentown, Bethlehem, and the surrounding Lehigh Valley area.
