Home Comfort Insights from Connecticut's Insulation Experts

If your home feels too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter, your first instinct might be to replace your HVAC system with a newer, more powerful unit. But before you spend thousands of dollars on a new furnace or air conditioner, there’s something far more cost-effective you should do first—upgrade your insulation.

Proper insulation reduces the workload on your HVAC system, meaning you may not need a bigger (or more expensive) unit at all. Here’s why insulating before replacing your HVAC system is one of the smartest home upgrades you can make.

1. A Bigger HVAC System Won’t Fix Poor Insulation

Many homeowners assume that if their heating or cooling system isn’t keeping up, they just need a larger unit. But in many cases, the real problem isn’t your HVAC—it’s heat loss or heat gain due to poor insulation.

✔ In winter, heated air escapes through poorly insulated attics, walls, and floors, making your furnace work overtime.
✔ In summer, the sun’s heat seeps into your home, forcing your AC to run constantly.

Even the most high-tech, expensive HVAC system won’t solve insulation problems—it will just work harder and wear out faster.

2. Proper Insulation Can Help You Buy a Smaller (and Cheaper) HVAC System

HVAC systems are sized based on your home’s heating and cooling needs. But if your home is better insulated, it will require less heating and cooling power—meaning you might not need as large of a system.

✔ Smaller units cost less upfront and are cheaper to run.
✔ Oversized HVAC systems cycle on and off too frequently, which leads to higher energy bills and a shorter lifespan.

By insulating first, you can right-size your HVAC system and avoid overpaying for an unnecessarily large unit.

3. Lower Energy Bills and Longer HVAC Lifespan

One of the biggest benefits of proper insulation is energy efficiency. The better your home is insulated, the less your HVAC system has to run, which means:

✔ Lower monthly energy bills 💰
✔ Less wear and tear on your HVAC system 🛠
✔ A longer lifespan for your furnace and air conditioner ⏳

Instead of replacing your HVAC system sooner than necessary, insulation helps it last longer, saving you thousands of dollars in the long run.

4. Insulation Improves Comfort Year-Round

A new HVAC system might help regulate your home’s temperature, but if your insulation is lacking, you’ll still deal with uncomfortable rooms.

✔ Cold spots in winter? Poor insulation is likely letting warm air escape.
✔ Rooms that won’t cool down in summer? Heat is seeping in through your attic and walls.

By upgrading your insulation first, you create a more comfortable home with even temperatures throughout—without having to rely on a high-powered HVAC system to compensate for insulation gaps.

5. Insulating First Saves You Money

If you’re debating whether to replace your HVAC or insulate first, consider this:

✔ Insulating is usually cheaper than replacing an HVAC system.
✔ It’s a one-time investment that continues to save you money on heating and cooling bills for years.
✔ You may qualify for rebates—in Connecticut, programs like EnergizeCT offer incentives for insulation upgrades.

The Best Insulation for Maximum Efficiency

At Nealon Insulation, we specialize in high-performance cellulose insulation, which is:

✅ More effective than fiberglass at stopping air leaks
✅ Eco-friendly (made from 85% recycled materials)
✅ Treated with borate to resist pests and mold
✅ Ideal for attics, walls, and basements—the areas that lose the most heat

By properly insulating your home, you reduce your heating and cooling needs, making it possible to buy a smaller, more efficient HVAC system—or delay replacing it altogether.

Upgrade Your Insulation First—Then Decide on HVAC

Before you invest in an expensive HVAC replacement, insulate your home first. You’ll likely find that your current system works much better, or if you do need a replacement, you can get by with a smaller, more affordable unit.

👉 Want to improve your home’s energy efficiency before upgrading your HVAC? Contact Nealon Insulation today for a free consultation!

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Winter along the Connecticut shoreline can bring chilly drafts and rising heating bills. But staying warm doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Before you crank up the thermostat, try these free or low-cost tricks to keep your home cozy without breaking the bank.

1. Block Drafts with Door Sweeps & Weatherstripping (Cost: Free – $15 per door/window)

One of the biggest culprits of heat loss is drafty doors and windows. Even small gaps can let in cold air and make your heating system work harder.

✔ Free Fix: Roll up a towel or blanket and place it at the bottom of drafty doors.
✔ Cheap Fix: Install door sweeps or self-adhesive weatherstripping (usually under $15) to seal gaps around doors and windows.

2. Use Curtains Wisely (Cost: Free – $20 per window)

Curtains aren’t just for decoration—they can trap heat inside and block cold drafts if used correctly.

✔ During the day: Open curtains on south-facing windows to let in natural sunlight.
✔ At night: Close curtains to keep warmth from escaping. Thick, thermal curtains work best, but even a blanket over the window can help.

3. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans (Cost: Free!)

Did you know ceiling fans can help circulate warm air in the winter?

✔ Set your ceiling fan to rotate clockwise on a low setting. This pushes warm air downward, keeping you warmer without turning up the heat.

4. Seal Electrical Outlets and Switches (Cost: $5 – $10 per room)

Cold air can seep through electrical outlets and switch plates, especially on exterior walls.

✔ Cheap Fix: Install foam gaskets behind outlet and switch covers (available at hardware stores for just a few dollars).

5. Move Furniture Away from Vents and Radiators (Cost: Free!)

If a couch or bed is blocking a vent or radiator, you could be trapping heat instead of letting it circulate.

✔ Check all vents and radiators to make sure they’re clear so heat can spread evenly throughout the room.

6. Layer Rugs on Hardwood or Tile Floors (Cost: Free – $30 per rug)

Bare floors can make a room feel colder since heat escapes through them.

✔ Free Fix: Use any extra rugs you have to add insulation to cold floors.
✔ Cheap Fix: Thicker area rugs (even secondhand ones) can help retain heat and make rooms feel warmer.

7. Close Off Unused Rooms (Cost: Free!)

If you have rooms that aren’t frequently used (like a guest room or storage area), closing the doors can prevent heat from escaping into those spaces.

✔ Keep the heat where you need it most by closing off unused areas.

8. Use a Humidifier for Warmer Air (Cost: Free – $20+)

Dry winter air can make your home feel colder than it actually is. A little humidity helps trap heat, making it feel warmer at lower temperatures.

✔ Free Fix: Place a bowl of water near a heat source to add moisture to the air.
✔ Cheap Fix: Use an affordable humidifier to keep humidity levels balanced (ideally 30-50%).

9. Bake More & Leave the Oven Door Open Afterward (Cost: Free!)

A little old-school trick—use your oven’s residual heat to warm up your kitchen.

✔ After baking, turn the oven off and leave the door slightly open to let the warm air spread through the room.
✔ Bonus: You get a warm home and fresh-baked cookies! 🍪

10. Upgrade Your Insulation for Long-Term Warmth (Cost: Varies, but often pays for itself!)

While many of the tips above are quick fixes, insulation is the best long-term solution for keeping your home warm and reducing heating bills.

✔ Cellulose insulation, like the kind we install at Nealon Insulation, helps trap heat inside and prevents cold air from seeping in.
✔ It’s one of the most cost-effective energy upgrades—helping you stay warm without relying on expensive heating systems.
✔ Bonus: Cellulose insulation is treated with borate, which deters mice and pests—a common issue in shoreline homes.

Stay Warm Without Overspending!

By using these free and low-cost tricks, you can keep your home warmer this winter without cranking up the thermostat. And if you're looking for a long-term solution, upgrading your insulation is one of the smartest investments you can make.

👉 Want to make your home warmer and more energy-efficient? Contact Nealon Insulation today for a free consultation!

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Living along the Connecticut shoreline has many perks—beautiful views, fresh sea air, and a vibrant coastal community. But one common challenge homeowners face, especially in older homes, is dealing with mice. These pests can squeeze into tiny openings, contaminate food, chew through wiring, and even cause structural damage.

If you’re struggling with a rodent problem, here are some of the best ways to prevent and eliminate mice in your shoreline home—including an insulation upgrade that can help keep them out for good.

1. Seal Entry Points

Mice can squeeze through openings as small as a dime. The first step in mouse-proofing your home is to seal all possible entry points, including:

✔ Gaps around pipes and utility lines
✔ Cracks in foundations and walls
✔ Spaces under doors
✔ Gaps in attic vents and eaves

Use steel wool, caulk, and hardware cloth to block these openings—mice can’t chew through these materials.

2. Keep Food and Trash Sealed

Mice are always on the lookout for food sources. To make your home less appealing:

✔ Store dry goods in sealed glass or metal containers (not cardboard or plastic).
✔ Clean up crumbs and spills immediately.
✔ Take out the trash regularly and use bins with tight-fitting lids.
✔ Avoid leaving pet food out overnight.

3. Reduce Clutter and Hiding Spots

Mice love dark, undisturbed areas, so reducing clutter inside and outside your home can help keep them away.

✔ Keep storage areas clean and organized.
✔ Avoid stacking firewood, leaves, or debris near your home.
✔ Trim back shrubs and branches that give mice easy access to your house.

4. Upgrade to Cellulose Insulation (A Natural Pest Deterrent!)

Did you know that your insulation choice can play a big role in keeping mice out?

If you have fiberglass insulation, it can actually become a nesting ground for rodents. Mice love burrowing into fiberglass because it provides warmth and shelter.

Why Cellulose Insulation Deters Mice

Cellulose insulation, like the kind we install at Nealon Insulation, is treated with borate, a natural mineral that pests hate.

✔ Borate makes cellulose insulation resistant to mice, insects, and other pests.
✔ Unlike fiberglass, cellulose insulation doesn’t provide good nesting material, making it less attractive to rodents.
✔ It’s eco-friendly, highly effective, and improves your home’s energy efficiency—all while helping to keep pests at bay!

If you’re dealing with mice in your attic or walls, upgrading to borate-treated cellulose insulation can be a long-term solution that keeps your home warm, efficient, and pest-free.

5. Use Traps or Call a Professional

If you already have a mouse infestation, traps can help remove them before they cause more damage.

✔ Snap traps – The most effective for quick elimination.
✔ Live traps – A humane option if you plan to relocate mice far from your home.
✔ Professional pest control – If the infestation is severe, calling an expert may be the best solution.

Protect Your Shoreline Home with Nealon Insulation

At Nealon Insulation, we’ve been insulating homes along the Connecticut shoreline for 48 years, and we know how important it is to keep pests out while improving energy efficiency.

By upgrading to borate-treated cellulose insulation, you can help prevent mice infestations and enjoy a more comfortable, well-insulated home.

👉 Ready to make your home more energy-efficient and pest-resistant? Contact Nealon Insulation today for a free consultation!

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