Homeowner looks for insulation solution to steep winter energy bills, as commenters point to electric heat

They had already patched holes in the protective belly wrap beneath the home.

People commenting online suggested that the electric furnace in a 1996 single-wide could be driving the owner's unusually high winter energy bills. The homeowner asked the community for ideas on cutting costs by adding more insulation.

Here’s what to know

The planned job would involve drilling holes in the walls and blowing in extra insulation, but the homeowner said in a Reddit r/HomeImprovement post that they were unsure the expense would be worthwhile. They had already repaired holes in the belly wrap under the home and used weather tape to seal drafty windows.

Several commenters advised looking into a heat pump instead, saying the current setup likely relied on resistance heat. The homeowner described the equipment as an electric furnace paired with a Trane outdoor air-conditioning unit.

Replacing heating and cooling equipment is often one of the most effective ways to reduce utility costs and limit the impact of rising energy prices.

For homeowners considering that kind of upgrade, Palmetto says it can outline HVAC choices and explain how newer, more efficient systems and heat pumps may lower energy bills. Its Comfort Plan network is designed to help people find efficient heating and cooling options and connect with vetted installers.

More background

Some of the skepticism about adding insulation came from a mistaken figure: the homeowner originally listed the existing insulation as R-30. They later clarified that it was actually R-13.

"I remodeled my kitchen and when I replaced the drywall in there, the existing insulation was poorly done. There were still uninsulated gaps whereas it should have been completely packed," the original poster wrote.

One question remained unresolved in the discussion: whether foam board placed behind the home's 1990s-style vertical aluminum siding could trap moisture. The homeowner had asked about sliding insulation behind the siding.

What can be done?

One commenter warned that without cold weather, thermal imaging might not reveal insulation gaps clearly. They suggested finding the weak spots before paying for more insulation, perhaps by borrowing or renting a thermal imaging tool, even from a library.

If the home has single-pane windows, another commenter recommended shrink-plastic coverings.

For homeowners who want to upgrade equipment but are not ready to pay upfront, Palmetto’s Comfort Plan offers $0-down options that can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 50%. The plans also include 12 years of free maintenance.

Where can I learn more?

Other renters and homeowners have raised similar questions about heating upgrades and insulation when winter bills climb. Related stories have covered renters and homeowners facing expensive electric heat, furnace replacements, oil heating, and insulation decisions.

• A renter faced $500 winter electric bills in a home measuring just 325 square feet.

• Commenters recommended replacing an aging electric furnace with a heat pump, even in deep cold.

• A Massachusetts resident weighed heat pumps against furnaces, while commenters emphasized the importance of insulation.

• A homeowner seeking lower oil heating costs received advice to warm the bed instead.

• Homeowners said expensive insulation upgrades eventually paid for themselves many times over.