Basement Insulation
A properly insulated basement can help reduce your energy costs. However, basement walls are one of the most controversial areas of a house to insulate and seal. You need to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages, not to mention moisture control.
Annual Energy Savings
The energy cost savings of basement wall insulation vary depending on the local climate, type of heating system, fuel cost, and occupant lifestyle. Typical annual cost savings by R-value in a few U.S. cities are provided in the table to the right for a 1,500 square-foot home with a conditioned basement heated by natural gas ($0.72/therm).
| U.S. Cities | R-10* | R-2-** |
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo, NY | $350 | $390 |
| Denver, CO | $310 | $360 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $400 | $450 |
| Seattle, WA | $280 | $320 |
| St. Louis, MO | $250 | $290 |
| Washington, DC | $250 | $280 |
*Such as 2 to 3 inches of exterior foam insulation.
**Such as with most insulated concrete forms.
Source: U.S. Department of Energy