September 8, 2015

Home insulation helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and make your home energy efficient.

Over time, your HVAC system may lose efficiency. One way to maintain your system’s efficiency is by ensuring that your walls, windows, and other parts of your home are properly insulated.

Why Insulate Your Home?

Just installing an HVAC system may not be enough. The ultimate goal is to have a system that runs efficiently for years, without you having to spend a large sum of money on frequent repairs. A sure way to take the pressure off your HVAC system is by insulating your home. Insulation helps to create a healthier home environment and maintain a comfortable temperature inside your home, by preventing cool air from escaping outside. Simply put, home insulation makes your heating and cooling system’s job easier, resulting in lower energy bills and a system that lasts longer.

Where to Insulate

The first step towards insulating your home is to decide where to insulate. Ideally, you need to insulate the areas of your home connected to the outside environment. This can be any vents or pathways through the doors, windows, ceilings, walls, roofs, floors, attic, and ducts.

Types of Home Insulation

Different types of home insulation are suitable for different homes. Each type has its own pros and cons. Let’s take a look at the common types.

Fiberglass Insulation:  In this type of insulation, a man-made fiber used to insulate homes. You can buy fiberglass as batts or loose fill. The former comes in the form of blankets and is easy to install. Fiberglass insulation is cost effective and helps protect your home against fire and water damage.

Mineral Wool Insulation: You can also choose to use mineral wood for home insulation. This is a relatively expensive material and may not be a suitable option for those looking for a long-term solution. Mineral wood may develop cracks over time, especially when wet.

Cellulose Insulation: In this type of home insulation, recycled paper is used to insulate your home. This is also quite effective in preventing household pests and moisture away from entering your home.

Spray Foams: Polyurethane product is used in the form of spray foam. The product is made combining two chemicals in the right proportion. In general, the product is sprayed with a hose. Although spray foams are quite effective, they may trigger some serious health hazards such as, breathing problems and respiratory diseases. It is important to apply the product correctly for best results.

Costs of Home Insulation

Home insulation generally requires a lump sum, a one-time investment, but saves a lot on utility bills in the long run. The amount you need to invest for home insulation varies depending on the method of insulation and your specific requirements.

If your home requires extensive work, it is generally a good idea to seek professional help.