Many home owners believe the only time insulation serves a purpose is during the winter months, to keep homes warm. This is simply not true. In fact, Insulation Installations can benefit a home’s year-round efficiency, helping to lower utility costs and make a home more comfortable.
Not Just for Cold Weather
To some home owners, the insulation seems much like a winter jacket for their home, buffering the heated air from the colder weather outside. Much like a winter jacket, they don’t think about it when the weather starts to warm up. However, contractors understand insulation acts more like a Thermos, helping to keep cool things cool and warm things warm. Improving a home’s insulation can have a huge effect on winter heating bills, as well as summer air conditioning costs.
The winter is not the only time Insulation Installations should be sought. In fact, a properly insulated home can see energy costs drop by as much as 25 percent during the summer and up to 50 percent in the winter by retrofitting or upgrading the insulation in a home.
More than Just a Number
Insulation’s quality is determined by the “R-value.” This is the amount of thermal resistance of a specific insulation product. The higher this value is, the more effectively the product can impede the thermal changes occurring between the outside services.
While building codes typically require an R-value of 38 for ceilings, it is recommended by the Department of Energy to install an insulation with an R-value of at least 49. The amount for walls will vary between R-13 and R-19, but the flooring should have at least R19 installed.
However, keep in mind that if any type of water or moisture comes into the home, regardless of how high the R-value is, it will not be effective. This means the home must also be sealed tightly to ensure the insulation can do its job.
we offers additional information about R-values and a home’s insulation. Understanding what to install and how it can affect energy efficiency helps home owners see why the proper insulation is necessary. Don’t waste money when it can be avoided with a quality level of insulation.
