Insulation Overview

Many homeowners are frustrated with the high cost of utilities but do not really know how to control the cost of cooling and heating our homes. In order to maximize our home’s energy efficiency we must insulate all the areas in which the hot and cold air escapes. On cold days, the warm air inside our homes moves to our attics, garages, basements, or the outdoors through our walls, ceiling, and floors. On a warm day, the heat from outside is working to get inside of our homes.

Air leakage and inadequate Insulation are the principal causes of wasted energy within our homes today. The only way we can make best use of our home’s energy is to make sure there is sufficient insulation in all of the areas that are susceptible to air getting in or out. Insulation’s resistance to heat flow is measured or rated in terms of its thermal resistance or what is called R-value. The higher the R-value of the insulation you are using, the greater the effectiveness.

Not only will you save money on your utility bills but your home will be much more comfortable in the summer and winter months. There are state and local building codes with insulation requirements for anyone building a home. However, they probably include the minimum amount of insulation that is required and you may need to exceed those amounts to have a home that is energy efficient.

The amount of energy conserved will depend on several determining factors such as:

• The climate of the part of the country in which you live.
• The size and construction of your home.
• The efficiency of your heater and air conditioner.

Most any home can have insulation added. You may be able to add the insulation yourself or prefer to have a qualified contractor do the job to be sure it is done correctly.