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How Betty Jo Reduced Her Consumers Energy Bill in Half

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How Betty Jo Reduced Her Consumers Energy Bill in Half Blog Feature
Amanda Ringler

By: Amanda Ringler on July 17th, 2017

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For three years the Thrall family lived in their Jackson, Michigan home dealing with walls so cold it felt like they were outside. The furnace ran non-stop, gas bills were through the roof, and the Consumers Energy bill was about double the mortgage. The home would get so cold in the winter it was impossible for Betty Jo to even have plants.

 

“I thought we were going to have to replace our furnace,” Betty Jo said. “It ran non-stop. We would have to have the thermostat on 75 or 80 and it was still cold in here.”

Not only were the Thralls dealing with a cold house – they were also dealing with a noisy house.

When large semi-trucks drove by the home, it was like they were right in the living room with the Thralls. If neighbors were outside talking, Betty Jo could hear their conversation like they were in the room with her.

So why was the home so uncomfortable and noisy?

The Thralls discovered there was no insulation in their attic or walls.

The lack of insulation in the Thrall’s home contributed to the home being cold and uncomfortable during the winter. The cold air from outside was able to get inside easily, because there was no air barrier to keep it out. The walls were cold to the touch, because there was no insulation to keep the elements out.

Just like the home was unbearably cold in the winter, it was equally uncomfortable in the summer. The Thrall’s home was so hot during the summer, it was hard to stay inside.

In an effort to maintain a constant temperature, the Thralls were paying between $400 to $500 in heating and cooling bills each month, but still weren’t comfortable.

“We are going broke just trying to keep the house heated,” Betty Jo said.

That all changed after they saw a RetroFoam of Michigan commercial.

RetroFoam of Michigan insulated the Thrall’s walls and attic, easing their minds that their home could be insulated without destroying their entire house.

Betty Jo said when the crews came to her home, when they were finished it was like they were never there. The crews cleaned up after themselves and it was very apparent that everyone working knew what they were supposed to be doing.

The only difference Betty Jo noticed was her home was much more comfortable.

“I got up in the morning and it felt a little chilly. The temperature in here was 69, so I went to turn it up just a little bit and it was on 50!” Betty Jo said. “I was impressed. RetroFoam made the difference. It would never have gotten that warm in here.”

Betty Jo said the addition of foam insulation in her home kept those frigid winter temperatures outside.

Foam insulation creates an air barrier that works to keep those inclement temperatures during the summer and winter outside, while keeping the conditioned air with a furnace or AC unit inside.

Not only is the Thrall’s home more comfortable, but they are saving more than half on their monthly gas bill. It went from $400 down to $180 a month.

“I wish we would have done this when we first moved here,” Betty Jo said. “Haven’t had a problem after you came out.”

If you would like to learn more about the benefits of foam insulation, head on over to our Learning Center.

If you feel like foam insulation is the answer to comfort issues and high monthly energy bills in your home, give us a call at 866-900-3626, or fill out the form on our website to request a free estimate.

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About Amanda Ringler

Amanda previously has worked as a breaking news and crime reporter, TV news producer, and editor in Flint and Detroit. Throughout her career as a journalist, she has won several awards from The Society of Professional Journalists - Detroit Chapter and the Michigan Press Association. As part of the RetroFoam of Michigan family, Amanda uses her experience as a journalist to write content that will help educate homeowners on the benefits of foam insulation. When Amanda isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her husband and rescued huskies. She also loves knitting, making art, cooking, and hosting dinner and a movie night for friends and family.