Oklahomans Improve Home Insulation To Keep Energy Costs Down

Energy costs are going through the roof for some Green Country homeowners. High propane prices mixed with cold weather is forcing some to find other ways to heat their homes.

Heat is escaping from David Borg's home. The Borgs moved to Collinsville in December.

They knew something was different when they filled up their propane tank for the first time.

"It's a shock for sure," he said. "We weren't quite prepared for that."

1/24/2014 Related Story: Propane Price Spike Leaving Oklahomans In The Cold

The Borg's pay more than $600 for 45 days worth of propane to heat their home and run appliances.

High demand and pipeline issues reportedly are forcing prices for propane to shoot above $4 per gallon.

To keep Borg's propane bill down, he looked at the insulation in the rafters of his attic for an answer.

"This is where this old insulation, this old color right in there, the brown is how deep it was and we're talking 4 inches," Borg said.

Insulation expert Mike Housley said some homes don't have enough of the material to keep the heat in and the cold out.

"If you can see the top of your rafters, nine times out of 10 you do not have enough insulation," Housley of More Insulation said.

"Typical of rafters that are in a home are six inch rafters that means you have less than 6 inches in a home and it needs to be upgraded."

Insulation technology is improving. Housley says older homes could benefit from adding a layer.

"There's always things that can be done and seal up the home a little bit better, things that weren't done 10, 15, 20 years ago, can be upgraded now," Housley said.

With more cold snaps on the way, the added material will help Borg stretch his expensive heating supply.

"It's making a difference and then the house, you can tell that the furnace isn't running anywhere near as much, the cold spots are gone," he said.

Borg called in a professional to install the insulation for an extra hundred dollars over what it would cost to do it themselves.

It only takes an hour or two to top off your attic, he said.

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