If you're getting a new HVAC or replacement windows, you'll want to make sure your home has adequate insulation so your new windows or HVAC is efficient at controlling the climate in your home. You may want advice from an insulation company on how much insulation you need, what type you should get, and where you need to add it to your home. Here's how insulation works and some options to explore.
How Insulation Controls The Temperature In Your Home
Insulation in your attic reduces the transfer of heat. That means the warm air in your attic doesn't get in your house and heat up your home in the summer. Insulation also keeps warm air from your furnace trapped in the lower part of your home and keeps it from rising to the attic where it escapes.
Insulation in your exterior walls works the same way, and the insulation could make a difference in how effective your HVAC is at cooling and heating your home.
Another way insulation helps control the temperature in your house is by blocking air leaks. If warm air is allowed to leak out of your house through a gap in the attic or exterior wall, you defeat the purpose of buying energy-efficient windows and your HVAC has to work harder.
How The Effectiveness Of Insulation Is Measured
Talk to the insulation company about your goals for the insulation and your budget. They can help you find the right insulation based on its R-value. The R-value is a measure of heat transfer through the insulation.
A high R-value means the insulation is better at blocking heat loss. However, insulation with a high R-value tends to cost more, so you can match the R-value to your climate rather than automatically buy insulation with the highest rating.
How Insulation Is Installed
There are a few types of home insulation. Some can be applied on closed walls and some need to be put on open walls. Some insulation comes in blankets you place on the floor of your attic or press between the wall studs. This fiberglass batt insulation is one of the more affordable options and a good choice if you have a small budget. You can also buy spray foam insulation. The contractor sprays it between your walls or on the floor of your attic. Spray foam expands and then dries hard, so it's a good choice for closing up gaps and cracks since it can fill an area of any shape.
Another popular type of insulation consists of bits of cellulose or fiberglass that are blown in your attic or between the exterior walls of your home. Since it's blown in, it can also fill irregular areas and cover cracks as it forms a fluffy blanket of insulation.
For more information, contact an insulation company in your area.
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