Insulation Important for Maintaining Heat in your Home
Energy efficiency is the key to reducing your
energy bill these days, particularly in the winter months when you
have to run your heater. With the insulation options these days, you
should have no problem retaining the heat in your home to reduce
your dependency on energy options. Insulation's primary function is
to slow down the heat flowing into and out of your home. In summer
months, insulation keeps the outdoor heat from creeping inside while
in the winter months, it traps heat inside the home to prevent it
from escaping.
Choosing the right kind of insulation and knowing how much to use is
important. You also need to know how it should be installed in the
attic, walls and ceilings and even the foundation and floors of your
home. When you can ensure there are no air leaks in your home and
add proper insulation, you can greatly reduce your energy bill and
reliance on fossil fuels.
Four Basic Kinds of Insulation
Four basic kinds of insulation exist: liquid foam, loose fill, rigid
foam and rolls or bats (blankets). The blanketed and loose fill is
most often used in homes, particularly in attics, between floor
joists, in the walls and between rafters in the roof. Liquid foam is
primarily used in walls as it is a perfect material to seal any
potential air leaks and create an airtight home. Rigid foam
resembles sheets of foam and is usually used in the out walls of a
home and other outdoor applications.
When you choose insulation for your home, there are several factors
you must contemplate. First, will the insulation pose any type of
danger to your family? Is it composed of materials that are harmful
to the environment, specifically your home? Consider the long term
performance your insulation will provide. You want its insulating
properties to last for years.
If you already have insulation but you are replacing it or adding
more, you must find out how much is already there. Measure the
thickness of the insulation already present so that you can get an
R-value from the home improvement store and decide whether you need
to add more insulation and how much. The R-value fluctuates
depending on where you live as well as what heat source you use –
gas or electric. Your goal is to strive for a higher R-value than
what is required by your area to ensure optimal insulating
properties.
You will notice in your insulation shopping that there are a variety
of materials to choose from. Fiberglass is by far the most popular
in the rolls of insulation that you lay out but it is tough to work
with because the glass-like fibers can get into your skin. Special
protective gear is must when working with fiberglass. Cellulose,
cotton, mineral wool, lamb's wool and recycled paper and fabric are
also used as insulation.
Each type of insulation material has a different R-value so you must
keep that in perspective when shopping for not only the type of
insulation but the material it is made from. Of course, where you
are using the insulation is another mitigating factor in your
decision.
About the Author: D. Benjamin is the owner of
iapsales.com LLC - a family business specializing in HVAC products. We
are distributors of
Qmark Heaters,
electric tankless water heaters,
bathroom heaters,
patio heaters, electric heaters,
portable air
conditioners & electric towel warmers. Shop on line at
www.heateroutlet.com for these great home improvement products.
Iapsales.com LLC was established in 2003 and is the sister company to
Innovative Air Products located in historical Exeter, NH. We are a 2nd
generation manufacturers’ rep firm dedicated to providing residential &
commercial heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment. We offer
a great selection online at the lowest prices anywhere. We can also be
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