November 25, 2015
Insulation can save you hundreds of dollars on heating and cooling costs throughout the year.
Proper insulation can make your home more comfortable and save you money. Insulation is available in a wide variety of forms. One of the best products for home insulation is fiberglass. Here are some important things to know about this type of insulation. (Click here to learn how insulating your home can lower your energy costs).
R-Value of Insulation
R-value is the unit of thermal resistance. The R-value of a product shows you how well the product is resistant to heat transfer. Materials with higher R-value are more thermal resistant. If you insulate your home with a material that has a high R-value, you are likely to experience better results.
Installing Insulation
Which part of the home you want to insulate is another important thing to consider. St. Louis HVAC experts explain that not all parts of your home require the same level of insulation. For example, use denser insulation materials for the attic, while interior walls do not need to be insulated with materials having a higher R-value. Fiberglass insulation is ideal for walls.
The cost of insulation depends on the amount, the R-value of the insulation material, and whether you need professional help for installation. In general, fiberglass insulation may cost less than most other forms of insulation.
Do-It-Yourself Installation
Some people decide to install fiberglass insulation on their own. However, some precautions are needed for working with fiberglass insulation. Contact with fiberglass insulation may trigger side effects, such as irritation in the skin and breathing problems. If you decide to so this make sure you use gloves and wear protective clothing.
Fiberglass insulation comes in two forms – batts and rolls. The former option is relatively straightforward to install. Place between the cracks and crevices to block any gaps in the walls or other areas of your home. Do not push the batts into smaller gaps, because it may get squeezed, resulting in a decrease in the R-value of the insulation.
Other Types of Insulation
There are many other types of insulation. Cellulose insulation helps prevent or control pest infestation and maintain the humidity level of the air. If you are planning to insulate with a higher R-value material, consider installing spray foam insulation. However, this type of insulation, if not installed properly, may trigger some harmful side effects. Insulating with mineral wool is also a good idea, but it could be more costly.
If you are looking for a functional yet cost-effective material for insulating your home, call Scott-Lee Heating Company for at (314) 200-0788 for more information.