Energy efficient insulation is?a highly effective and affordable way to improve your home?s comfort while reducing your energy use ? and your power bills.
Energy Star reports that most U.S. homes are?not insulated adequately.
In addition to reducing your power bills, insulating and sealing the air leaks in your home will?decrease the amount of dust and pollen that get in, reduce humidity levels and outside noise, and reduce the chance of ice dam formation?during the winter.
So, what type of insulation should you consider for your Utah home?
No. 1: Blanket Insulation
Blanket insulation comes in the form of rolls and batts ? including?the familiar pink fiberglass form. This material is made to be placed inside walls (nestled between the studs) and in the attic.
The R-value for blankets and batts typically ranges from R-3.0 per inch to R-4.3 for high-performance thickness and density batts. Compared to some other types of energy efficient insulation, blankets and batts fall into the lower price range.
No. 2:?Rigid Foam?(Foam Board)
Made from products such as polystyrene and polyurethane, rigid foam provides a high level of efficiency. This material is typically used on both interior and exterior?walls but it can also be used for floors, ceilings, basement walls and foundation walls.
Foam board R-values range between R-4.0 and R-6.0 per inch.?The cost is slightly?higher than some other forms of insulation,?but it can usually only be installed?during new construction or?on unfinished walls.
No.?3: Blown-In Insulation
Cellulose and fiberglass are the most common materials used in this approach, typically in the home?s attic space. With R-values of approximately R-2.2 to R-3.0 per inch, this?approach does not provide a high level of energy efficiency as compared to some other products.
This product carries a somewhat higher cost than blanket and batt products but, like those blown-in materials lose their insulating ability over time.
No.?4: Spray Foam Insulation
Sometimes called ?foamed in place,? this energy-efficient insulation is so versatile that it can be used almost anywhere, including existing,?finished walls and hard-to-reach areas. This product?is sprayed in wet and then expands and hardens, sealing air gaps.
You can choose from open-cell foam, which carries an R-value of R-3.7 per inch or closed-cell foam ? one of the most energy efficient insulation products available today ? at R-6.2 per inch.
No.?5: Radiant Barrier Insulation
This highly efficient product works differently than other types of insulation.
Most traditional, thermal materials reduce conductivity and convection,?whereas radiant barriers work by?reducing radiant heat transfer into or out of your home, depending on the?season. It?s appropriate for use in the attic, on your windows, around the water heater and even on the inside of your garage door.
So,?how can you determine if you need more insulation in your Utah home and, if so,?which type(s) of insulation?will provide the most cost-saving benefits? Schedule a free basic home energy audit with?GreenHome Specialties.
We help?customers?in Utah, as well as southern Idaho and Wyoming,?identify the best and most cost-effective ways to cut energy use, save money and improve their home?s comfort. Contact us today to learn more about how you can benefit from adding energy-efficient insulation to your home.
