Have you ever thought about the insulation in your home? If not, you’re not alone. Most homeowners in Arizona rarely think about insulation – until they get a sky high utility bill. At Cool Blew, we get many questions about insulation, so we thought we’d provide some answers here on our blog.
What Exactly Is The Purpose Of Insulation?
Insulation has two important functions. First, it helps keep warm air generated by heaters and fireplaces inside while minimizing the cold air from entering your home’s interior. And, perhaps more important to desert dwellers like us, insulation also helps block heat and prevents it from mixing with cooler air being produced by air conditioners and fans.
Where Is Insulation Installed?
Insulation can be installed anywhere outside air can leak in. This means in walls, crawlspaces, and attics. When used in conjunction with sealing gaps around windows and doors, insulation can be highly effective to moderate the temperature inside a home.
What Are the Types of Insulation?
Fiberglass – Fiberglass insulation is the most common and inexpensive type. It’s available in sheets or rolls and is relatively simple to install. However, it can be irritating to skin and becomes less effective if it gets wet.
Rigid Foam – This type of insulation is more insulative than fiberglass, and it’s a good choice for exterior walls and low slope roofs.
Blown-in Cellulose – This is a liquid-type insulation product that can be blown in instead of rolled out. Because it’s made from recycled wood fibers, it is typically more environmentally friendly. However, it is considerably more expensive than other types of insulation.
Spray Foam Insulation – This is often considered the most desirable type of insulation because it typically outperforms fiberglass and rigid foam. As well, it can fit into tight spaces.
What is R-Value?
The potency of insulation is measured by R-value. This measurement takes into account thickness and compactness of the insulation. The higher the R-value, the more that a home will be protected from heat and cold. The Department of Energy recommends insulation R-values that are in the R-38 to R-60 range for an attic and R-13 to R-1 for crawlspaces.
Does My Home Need More Insulation?
If you’re experiencing drafts in rooms or your utility bills are going up unexpectedly, additional insulation might be beneficial. To determine your current insulation’s effectiveness, we recommend a home energy audit. Call Cool Blew to schedule a free home energy audit to determine where you may be needing more insulation.
