There’s a reason the adage “Are we trying to air condition the whole neighborhood?” has stuck around as long as it has: Homeowners have long wanted to maintain maximum home comfort, without wasting money on conditioned air that simply escapes outdoors. And though this phrase is often closely tied to someone leaving a door or window open on a hot summer day, it can also be applied to how effective a home’s insulation is.

Here in Granada Hills, it’s not uncommon for homeowners to notice ridges of ice forming along their roofs’ edges in the winter. These are known as ice dams. Though they are often dismissed as an unavoidable byproduct of snow and other winter precipitation, ice dams are usually a sign that your home has poor attic insulation, and they can cause significant damage if ignored.

Creating a comfortable home goes beyond just maintaining the right temperature—it’s also about ensuring the air you breathe every day is clean and healthy. And though many homeowners may not realize it, proper insulation and air sealing can play a big role in achieving better indoor air quality and enhancing total home comfort!

If your Granada Hills home is hot in the summer or cold in the winter, it could be a sign that you need to upgrade your insulation. While every part of your home can benefit from insulation, certain areas often require special attention to maximize effectiveness.

There are many different factors that go into creating an energy-efficient and comfortable home. Insulation and air sealing are two such factors and, though they refer to different things, work best when combined. Together, they help keep temperatures consistent, prevent drafts, lower your energy bills, and ensure comfort all year long for your Granada Hills home.

Maintaining a comfortable home can be challenging, especially when different parts of the house experience varying temperatures. One of the most common problems is an upper floor that always seems hotter than the rest of the house, especially during warmer months.

Upgrading the insulation and air sealing in your existing house is a commonly overlooked home improvement, but one that offers long-term benefits for homeowners. In fact, many people are surprised to learn about all of the advantages of insulation replacement!

You can save up to $1,200 by claiming the insulation tax credit when you make your home more comfortable and affordable to heat and cool with upgraded insulation and air sealing. This tax credit is a money-saving incentive that many homeowners are unaware of, and even fewer know that fall is one of the best times to schedule your home improvement work if you want to claim your tax credit quickly!

Insulation and air sealing upgrades improve indoor comfort, lower heating and cooling bills, and create a healthier and safer indoor environment for your family. Plus, with the insulation tax credit, you can save 30% on the upfront costs of making these long-lasting home improvements, as much as $1,200 every year!

Using Spray Foam for Unvented Vaulted Ceiling Assemblies.

Recently, I worked on a jobsite that called for spray foam. This project is a small shed, one of those you can buy at Home Depot—like a Tuff Shed. It’s being converted into a detached office, and one of the challenges here is dealing with the rafters.

Pricing per square foot is more commonplace now for insulation contractors, especially in the Los Angeles and Southern California areas, particularly with residential jobs. It has become more common due to convenience—both for the contractor and the customer. The contractor can provide a price quickly without needing to spend time traveling, and the customer can avoid the stress of a potentially high-pressure sales situation. Another factor that made pricing per square foot more common was the rise of virtual estimates during COVID-19, as people were working from home and reluctant to meet in person.

For homes that have already been built, we generally recommend starting with the attic or ceiling insulation first because it’s less money to do and you get a bigger return on your financial investment. You tend to get the most heat loss and heat gain through the ceiling and attic assembly. If that’s already been taken care of, or if the ceiling or attic is inaccessible (like with vaulted ceilings or open beam ceilings where there’s no attic space to install insulation), then you’re definitely going to want to focus on the exterior walls.

The insulation tax credit is a great opportunity to lower the cost of upgrading the insulation and air sealing in your Granada Hills home. You can save 30% of your eligible expenses, up to $1,200 per year, making it more affordable to create a comfortable home and lower monthly energy bills.But many homeowners are less familiar with tax credits than rebates. How is the insulation tax credit different from an insulation rebate, and how do tax credits work in general?

In the quest for an energy-efficient, comfortable, and healthy living space, sealing your home’s air leaks can be one of the most impactful steps. An air-sealed home means fewer drafts, reduced energy costs, and better indoor air quality, which can significantly enhance your family’s well-being. Here’s a closer look at why an air-sealed home is a smart investment: