Home Insulation
Is your home too hot in the summer despite running your AC?
Is your home drafty and cold during the winter despite running your heat constantly?
If so, your home may not be insulated properly.
Insulation is one of the most important tools you have for managing your home’s overall comfort and energy consumption. Insulation comes in many different materials and can be installed using several different techniques. Before we look at the different types of insulation, we need a way to compare the effectiveness of one type of insulation against another.
Measuring Effectiveness
Being able to determine how effective different types of insulation are is essential in choosing which type to use. The purpose of insulation is to stop the transfer of heat and each type of insulation has a rating of how well the material resists heat flow through it. The higher the R-value, or resistance value, the greater the material resists heat flow, therefore the greater its insulating capability.
Which Insulation Is the Right Choice?
Determining which insulating material is right for you depends on what area of the home needs insulating, how much insulating power is necessary, and how many square feet you need to install. Comparing your needs with your budget will help make sure you get the best material for your home.
Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass is one of the most common materials used for insulation. It is made from very fine fibers of glass and usually comes in rolls, duct insulation pieces, or loose-fill. Most fiberglass batts have an R-value of around 3.7 per inch and its effectiveness can be increased by layering the batts. Fiberglass insulation is a popular choice among homeowners because it is easy to obtain, easy to install, and it is relatively inexpensive.
Additional Fiber Types
Plastic – Usually made from recycled milk containers, it comes in batts and rolls similar to fiberglass and has an R-value around 4 per inch.
Cotton – Made from 85% recycled cotton along with plastic and fire-retardant minerals, cotton insulation is available in batts and rolls and has an R-value around 3.4 per inch.
Wool – Typically sheep’s wool is used and it is treated with the same minerals as other fibrous insulation for fire resistance and has an R-value around 3.5 per inch.
Cellulose Insulation (Recommended)
Another common choice, cellulose, is made from about 85% recycled paper with minerals added to create a fire and insect-resistant material. It has an R-value of about 3.7 per inch and is installed using a specialized blower machine that sprays several inches of the material into the space.
Adding insulation to your home can be quick and clean. In many cases, installation can be performed in a single visit. Find out how well your current insulation stacks up by scheduling a free Energy Audit today.
Reduce Your Energy Costs
Together, sealing air leaks and adding insulation will reduce your heating/ cooling costs by reducing heat gains through a home’s building envelope saving you 10% on your energy bill and improving your home’s comfort.
Did You Know
Just because your home is new, doesn’t mean that it’s insulated even close to properly for a home here in Worcester County! Find out how energy efficient your home is now!