Insulation helps block the transfer of heat. In turn, this keeps your home naturally cooler and warmer, which can reduce your energy bills. If you would like to know more about home insulation so you can boost your home's energy efficiency, keep reading.
Where Should You Have Insulation?
You should have insulation in the ceilings and walls. However, the attic is one of the most important places to have plenty of insulation. Since the attic is at the very top of the house and heat rises, hot air may gather in the attic if you have poor insulation. In the summer, this may warm your house, and in the winter, the attic steals the heat you need to stay warm.
Adding insulation can hinder this transfer of heat, keeping your home cooler in the summer by blocking unwanted heat in the attic from entering your living space. Alternatively, it keeps your home warmer in the winter by blocking the attic from stealing so much heat. Other places you should have insulation:
- In the basement
- In the garage
- Around HVAC vents
- Around your water heater
How Is Insulation Measured?
Insulation is measured with an R-value. This value measures how well the material withstands the transfer of heat. The higher the R-value, the better the material insulates. Most construction materials have some form of R-value, but most are low. For example, gypsum drywall (at 1 half-inch thickness) has an R-value of R-0.45, making it inefficient.
Insulation, however, has an R-value of between R-5.50 and R-7.20. The exact R-value depends on the types of insulation and thickness. The more you use, the higher the R-value.
What Are the Various Types of Insulation?
There are many types of insulation from which to choose. Many people are familiar with the large rolled-up batts and blankets of pink insulation. These come in many materials, such as fiberglass and plastic fibers. These are easy to install if the area is unfinished.
If you have a finished room that needs more insulation, consider loose-fill and blown-in insulation. Made from fiberglass, cellulose, or mineral wool, this material is blown into place with special equipment through a small hole in the wall.
The most effective form of insulation, however, is spray foam insulation. It has a high R-value, but it also expands as it dries. This allows it to fill in every possible gap. Depending on the type of foam, it may even add structural integrity to the home.
If your home is too cold/hot, or you see rising energy bills, you may need more insulation. Insulation is an investment in your home and the energy savings will help you recoup the money. If you would like to know more, contact an insulation services provider today.
