We went with insulated siding last year and it has made a surprising difference. The folks at Wilmington siding
https://ubrothersconstruction.com/l-home-renovation-wilmington helped us compare R-values and showed us how the insulation works in tandem with the siding layer. Our HVAC usage dropped in both summer and winter months, and the home stays at a more even temperature throughout the day. The upfront cost was higher, but we calculated that we’d recover most of it within five years via lower energy bills. Plus, the extra layer reduces outside noise, which we didn’t expect but now really appreciate. The siding itself looks no different from standard panels, so there’s no aesthetic trade-off. If you’re planning to stay in your home long-term, I’d say it’s definitely worth it. Short-term? Maybe less so—but still a solid upgrade.