Insulated vinyl siding improves home air tightness by 11% on average with 5.5% energy savings in re-siding projects.
This upgrade reduces heating and cooling costs while enhancing comfort year-round. Insulated vinyl siding costs more than standard vinyl’s $18,000 average but it delivers superior energy efficiency and ROI benefits. So, yes, you should consider insulated vinyl siding for your home!
What New England Homeowners Need to Know:
Air Tightness Improvement: Insulated vinyl siding makes your home 11% more airtight on average. That means fewer drafts, less air sneaking in, and steady indoor temps all through those brutal New England winters!
Energy Savings: You’ll see about 5.5% in energy savings on heating and cooling after a re-siding project with insulated vinyl. When Massachusetts households are spending roughly $600 a month on energy, that adds up fast!
IECC Performance: Compared to homes built to 2009 International Energy Conservation Code standards, insulated vinyl cuts heating and cooling energy use by 2-7%. It’s a real upgrade in thermal protection.
Cost Comparison: Standard vinyl siding runs about $18,000 nationally, and insulated vinyl adds $2,000-$4,000 to the project. Here’s the thing though — you’re getting 118% ROI, plus ongoing energy savings that offset the extra cost over time.
Ten Times Refrigerator Savings: This one puts it in perspective. The annual energy savings from R-2.5 insulated siding equal roughly 10 times what you’d save by swapping your old fridge for an ENERGY STAR model. For existing homes, it’s 5.5 times the savings!
Cold Climate Benefits: New England throws everything at your house — extreme temperature swings, harsh winters, coastal weather that never lets up. Insulated vinyl siding is built for exactly that, keeping your home comfortable and energy-efficient through every season.
Insulated vs Standard Vinyl Siding: What to Expect
| Feature | Standard Vinyl | Insulated Vinyl | Difference |
| Average Cost | $18,000 | $20,000-$22,000 | +$2,000-$4,000 |
| Air Tightness Improvement | Minimal | 11% average | Significant upgrade |
| Energy Savings | Standard | 5.5% average | Reduces utility bills |
| ROI | 118% | 118%+ with savings | Enhanced long-term value |
*National averages, professional installation included
Insulated Vinyl Siding Recommendations:
Top Choice Overall: Choose insulated vinyl siding for 11% air tightness improvement and 5.5% energy savings
Best for Cold Climates: Insulated vinyl delivers maximum benefits in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine where energy costs are roughly $600/month
Best for Long-Term Value: Insulated vinyl siding offers additional durability for an exterior that lasts for decades
Ready to Maximize Energy Efficiency?
Professional energy assessments calculate exact insulated siding savings potential. Coastal Windows & Exteriors installs premium insulated vinyl siding with 7,000+ installations across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine.
Serving MA/ME: 236 Cabot St, Beverly, MA 01915 | (978) 818-1503
Serving NH: 288 State Rte 101, Bedford, NH 03110 | (603) 691-2362
Request a free estimate by clicking here.
Learn more about James Hardie and vinyl siding by clicking here.
For more questions about siding FAQs click here
Sources:
- Installing insulated siding can improve a home’s air tightness by an average of 11% (https://polymericexteriors.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/ISHI_Guide_Update_January_20141.pdf)
- In a study of five home re-siding projects, there was an average energy savings of 5.5% (https://polymericexteriors.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/ISHI_Guide_Update_January_20141.pdf)
- The average cost of vinyl siding in the US is $18,000 (Verified Facts: Siding)
- Massachusetts households spend roughly $600/month on energy bills (https://www.boston.com/real-estate/real-estate/2024/03/26/massachusetts-utilities-gas-electric-phone-report/)
- Compared to a home built to the 2009 IECC, insulated siding can reduce heating and cooling energy use by 2 to 7% (https://polymericexteriors.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/ISHI_Guide_Update_January_20141.pdf)
- The ROI of vinyl siding is 118% (Verified Facts: Siding)
- The average annual energy savings from R-2.5 insulated siding is approximately 10 times the savings of replacing a standard refrigerator with ENERGY STAR (https://polymericexteriors.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/ISHI_Guide_Update_January_20141.pdf)
