Insulation, which comes in many forms, helps your home retain heat in the winter and stay cool in the summer. But where in your home should you check the insulation and reinforce it when necessary? And what is the best insulation to use? Here are a few simple things that can help you when buying or improving your home:
Unfinished attic spaces
Heat rises, so just like you should wear a hat in the winter to stay warm, your house needs attic insulation. Be sure to use the correct R-value, or resistance-to-heat flow, for your home and climate. An expert at any home improvement store can give you the details of what kind of insulation to choose for your home. Insulation in the attic should have a higher R-value than insulation elsewhere in the home.
Exterior walls
The exterior walls should also have consistent insulation. They can generally use a lower R-value than the attic and roof, but insulated walls will keep the heat in during the winter and help the house stay cool in the summer.
Floors above cold spaces
Insulation should be used anywhere in your home where the floor is over a cold space, such as an unfinished basement. This can be installed from below, between the joists, to keep your floors warm and your feet from freezing.
Ductwork
To keep your heating and cooling systems efficient, be sure to insulate your ductwork. This helps the heat reach the vents without additional dissipation. You can talk to your HVAC installer about the right insulation and proper maintenance.
Overview of types of insulation
There are three common types of home insulation:
- Fiberglass.
- Cellulose.
- Foam.
Each one may have a different use within your house and can be used together. For example, fiberglass batts are suitable for spaces you may need to access, such as the roof. Foam insulation, which is generally sprayed in during construction, is excellent for walls and around windows and doors.
Source: Home Actions