Updated August 2025
If you’re a homeowner in the Baltimore area, you already know Maryland’s weather throws a bit of everything at you. That includes hot summers that make your AC work overtime and cold winters that can drive up heating bills. Building or upgrading an energy-efficient home is one of the best ways to you can reduce energy use, shrink your environmental footprint, and save money year-round.
One of the most cost-effective energy upgrades you can make is with high-efficiency insulation. It’s a game changer that improves comfort, lowers energy bills, and helps protect the Chesapeake Bay region and beyond from climate impacts. Let’s look at Maryland’s environmental challenges, how insulation helps, and the steps you can take to start benefiting from energy and cost savings today.
Maryland’s Environmental Challenges and Home Energy Use
Climate change and natural resource depletion are serious challenges in Maryland. And residential buildings are a major contributor to our state’s energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.
Our state has set an ambitious goal of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. Making home energy efficiency improvements now is a key strategy for reaching that target. Better insulation is one improvement that can save energy, ease strain on the power grid, and help reduce our carbon footprint for future generations.
Energy Efficiency Benefits of Insulated Homes
Environmental Benefits
Every bit of heat that stays in your home during winter, or out during summer, means fewer fossil fuel being burned at power plants. This reduces greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, improving the air quality across Maryland.
Financial Benefits
According to the Department of Energy, insulation “provides resistance to heat flow to lower your heating and cooling costs.” This results in a reduced need for heating and air conditioning which slashes your energy consumption and energy bills.
Comfort and Impact Benefits
Home improvements like better insulation allow you to enjoy a more comfortable home, reduced energy bills, and a smaller environmental impact. They can even boost your property value for energy-conscious buyers.
Insulation as a Critical Component
Think of insulation as the unsung hero of energy efficiency. Insulation materials like fiberglass, cellulose, or modern spray foam all work by slowing the transfer of heat. Insulation helps keep warm air from escaping during winter, while in summer it helps keep unwanted heat out. Key areas to focus on insulating include your attic, walls, basement or crawlspace, and ducts. Proper air sealing complements insulation by blocking leaks that waste conditioned air.
From the mountains of Western Maryland to the humid coastal plain, your well-insulated home becomes a cozy, eco-friendly haven that lets you save money and reduce energy use in every season.
Energy-Efficient Features and Maryland Building Codes
Homeowners of today’s high-performance Maryland homes utilize a whole-house approach when it comes to energy efficiency. They combine robust insulation with air sealing, ENERGY STAR certified windows, an efficient HVAC system, and even renewable energy features like solar panels. These pieces work together to create a more energy-efficient home.
Maryland’s most recently adopted building code follows the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). These standards ensure new homes are built to stricter energy efficiency requirements that help curb energy waste and greenhouse emissions. A sampling of the latest updates calls for:
- R-49 insulation in ceilings
- R-20 insulation in above-ground walls
Collaborative Efforts
Improving your home’s energy efficiency is a team effort where everyone plays a role.
- Government is responsible for setting the regulations and standards for minimum energy requirements. They also offer incentives to builders for using energy efficient products and proper techniques.
- Builders/Contractors follow best practices to avoid gaps or compression during installation. It’s their responsibility to choose high-efficiency systems for the best results.
- Homeowners drive the demand for greener, more efficient homes in the Baltimore area and beyond. It’s important for homeowners to cultivate a culture of energy efficiency by taking advantage of the home energy education programs offered by state agencies and local organizations.
Practical Steps for Maryland Homeowners
These four key actions will help you maximize your home’s energy efficiency.
- Schedule a Professional Energy Audit
A home energy assessment or energy audit will evaluate your current insulation levels and identify your biggest areas of energy loss. You will receive a tailored upgrade plan for your home.
- Upgrade and Properly Install Insulation
Take the time to ensure your attic and walls meet or exceed recommended insulation levels. Don’t forget to include your basement, crawlspace, and rim joists for maximum efficiency. Always use a pro to avoid gaps or compression and ensure proper installation.
- Seal Air Leaks
Caulk or weather-strip around windows and doors. Seal ductwork joints to improve heating and cooling efficiency. Spray foam is a highly effective choice that insulates and air seals in one easy step.
- Maintain and Check Insulation Over Time
Take the time to periodically inspect your insulation for moisture, settling, or pest damage. Replenish or repair your insulation as needed. You may also consider upgrading your insulation when installing a new HVAC system.
Improving the Energy Efficiency of our Baltimore Community
Energy-efficient homes are the backbone of Maryland’s sustainable future. Simply put, energy efficiency is the key to protecting the environment for generations to come. Quality insulation and air sealing help you:
- Save energy
- Lower greenhouse gas emissions
- Save money
- Boost comfort
- Raise your property value
At Foam InSEALators, we’re improving Maryland homes one house at a time. Whether you need a professional energy audit or expert insulation and air sealing, our team knows how to help you seal in comfort, savings, and a brighter future for Maryland. Contact us today to receive your free estimate and start your journey toward a more energy-efficient home.
References
Energy Star. (2023). About federal tax credits for energy efficiency. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.energystar.gov/about/federal-tax-credits#:~:text=Save%C2%A0Up%20to%20%241%2C200%20on%20Energy,Efficiency%20Home%20Improvements
Energy Star. (2023). Save at home. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.energystar.gov/saveathome
Insulation Institute. (2023). Maryland prescriptive requirements. https://insulationinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/MD_Code_2023_v2.pdf#:~:text=Prescriptive%20R402,0.40
Internal Revenue Service. (2023). Energy efficient home improvement credit. U.S. Department of the Treasury. https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/energy-efficient-home-improvement-credit
Maryland Clean Energy Center. (2023). Heating and cooling efficiency. https://www.mdcleanenergy.org/resources/energy-awareness/save-money-education/heating-cooling/#:~:text=Improve%20Efficiency%20with%20Upgrades
Maryland Department of General Services. (2023, October 5). Maryland leads by example by reducing greenhouse gas emission in state government operations. https://news.maryland.gov/dgs/2023/10/05/maryland-leads-by-example-by-reducing-greenhouse-gas-emission-in-state-government-operations/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThe%20Moore,%E2%80%9D
Maryland Energy Administration. (2023). EmPOWER Maryland energy efficiency programs. https://energy.maryland.gov/Pages/Facts/empower.aspx#:~:text=The%20EmPOWER%20Maryland%20Energy%20Efficiency,audits%2C%20weatherization%2C%20and%20efficient%20appliances
Montgomery County Maryland. (2023). Energy efficiency incentives for homes. Department of Environmental Protection. https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DEP/energy/homes/incentives.html#:~:text=Image%3A%20jar%20of%20coins%20and,local%2C%20state%2C%20and%20federal%20sources
University of Maryland Extension. (2023). Understanding home energy. https://extension.umd.edu/resource/understanding-home-energy#:~:text=sealing%3B%202,the%20hot%20and%2For%20cold%20air
U.S. Department of Energy. (2023). Efficient home design. Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/efficient-home-design
U.S. Department of Energy. (2023). Insulation. Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/insulation#:~:text=Insulation