Proper Attic Insulation Reduces Energy Bills

Installing the proper amount of attic insulation can significantly lower the amount of money you are spending on electricity. Available in many different materials, this product provides a greater resistance to heat flow for your home. You can add more of it to an existing home or ensure that the right amount is installed during construction of a new home. Each of the different materials has some benefits and some drawbacks, so choosing the right type depends on a few different factors.

One of the biggest influencing factors in this decision is the cost of each type. For a new home, your building contractor can help you determine the right type of attic insulation to use. Many of the materials that can be built into your home, like insulating concrete forms and structural insulated panels, are not able to be added to an existing home. However, there are still various options for use when adding the insulation to your already built house. One common type is foam, which can be sprayed in either using small containers or large pressure sprayers. This is one of the most popular options, but it is more expensive than other materials. It is very effective and has a higher R-value than some other options, like fiberglass.

Another popular type of attic insulation is loose-fill cellulose. Some people recommend it because cellulose is made from recycled newspaper, and is therefore better for the environment. The recycled paper products are treated with a fire retardant, so it will keep a fire from spreading through the walls and ceilings of your home. Loose-fill insulation is usually less expensive than batts or rolls, and can also provide better coverage. Using this material in your home does not cause any known health risks, and it has a higher R-value than many other materials.

The R-value of attic insulation materials refers to their resistance to heat flow. The purpose of insulating your attic is to help maintain a comfortable temperature without wasting a lot of energy on a constantly running heating and cooling system. Since heat flows naturally from warmer areas to colder areas, maintaining a comfortable climate requires some material that will slow this heat flow down. In summer, attic insulation minimizes the flow of heat from outside to inside. During the winter, it does the opposite, keeping heat inside the house. Higher R-values indicate the materials that are most effective at resisting heat flow.

The best type of attic insulation to use depends on the climate of your area. While some types have higher R-values, they may also cost more to use. You may not need that high of an R-value in your area, which would make the extra expense of that material pointless. The United States Department of Energy offers tools, such as the Zip Code Insulation Calculator, to help you determine the recommended R-values for your area. You can also hire a home energy auditor or an insulation installation professional to help you choose the most effective and least expensive material to use. An experienced professional can also determine which areas of your home need insulation and which areas already have the proper amount. It is possible to overuse the materials and decrease their effectiveness, so knowing where it is actually needed is important.