Home Insulation

Home Insulation Basics: Higher R-Values = Higher Insulating Values -- Whether you live in Bangor, Maine, or Bakersfield, California, your home will be more comfortable and energy efficient with the right insulation.

Why Should You Insulate? -- Electricity bills, oil bills, gas bills--all homeowners pay for one or more of these utilities, and wish they paid less. Often many of us do not really know how to control or reduce our utility bills. We resign ourselves to high bills because we think that is the price we have to pay for a comfortable home. We encourage our children to turn off the lights and appliances, but may not recognize the benefits of insulating the attic.

How Does Insulation Work For You? -- Heat flows naturally from a warmer to a cooler space. In the winter, this heat flow moves directly from all heated living spaces to adjacent unheated attics, garages, and basements, or to the outdoors; or indirectly through interior ceilings, walls, and floors--wherever there is a difference in temperature.

Before You Insulate -- Most homeowners are aware that air leaks into their houses through what seem to be small openings around doors and window frames and through fireplaces and chimneys. Air also enters the living space from other unheated parts of the house, such as attics, basements, or crawl spaces.

What Kind of Insulation Should You Buy? -- Once you have located the areas in your house requiring insulation, and have determined what R-value is needed, you will need to decide what type to buy. Some types of insulation require professional installation, and others you can install.

Selecting Insulation -- The type of insulation you use will be determined by the nature of the spaces in the house that you plan to insulate. For example, since you cannot conveniently "pour" insulation into an overhead space, blankets, spray or board products, or reflective systems are used between the joists of an unfinished basement ceiling.

Other Places in Your Home for Added Insulation -- Don't overlook another area in your home where energy can be saved--the ductwork of the heating and air-conditioning system.