Advantages Of Proper Insulation In A Home

In the typical home, more than half of the energy used is for heating and cooling. Much of the energy consumed is actually wasted due to air leakage and inadequate insulation. Adding insulation offers an excellent way to improve comfort while reducing waste.

While the biggest advantage of insulation is the reduction in wasted energy, there are other reasons to consider adding more to the home if it does not meet the current recommendations. When properly insulated the home is more comfortable, as uniform temperatures can easily be maintained throughout the home. In addition, the floors, ceilings, and walls will be warmer during the winter and cooler during the summer.

The amount of energy one can conserve depends on many factors. Once the utility savings have paid for the cost of installation, the money goes into the occupant's pocket. These savings will grow in importance as energy costs continue to rise.

Insulation works by preventing the flow of heat from a warmer space to one that is cooler. During the winter months, heat travels from the heated living space to the outdoors and to unheated areas such as basements, garages and attics. During the summer, heat moves from outside the home to the air conditioned space. The heating and cooling system must work harder to compensate for a lack of insulation.

Insulation is sold in blankets, batts, loose fill, and foam. These products all work by reducing air movement. The products may be made of cellulose, fiberglass, polyicynene or expanded polystyrene. The air pockets that are trapped within the material creates an effective insulator that eliminates heat convection and also offers low energy conduction. Foam insulation may be filled with special gasses to improve their resistance to the flow of heat.

Reflective insulation offers another option that reduces the energy flow through radiation. It is designed to reflect heat back in the direction from which it is coming. Some reflective insulation may be designed to add small air pockets and reduce the flow of air. Still, reflective insulation is less efficient than foam, loose fill, batts or blankets.

A heating or cooling system that is not working properly can also increase one's energy consumption. It is important to schedule preventative maintenance at least once per year and call for repairs at any time the system is not working correctly. An HVAC repair company can provide these services and help keep energy costs at a minimum.