How to Choose the Right Insulation for your Home

 Guest Blog #197, Entry #682, September 30, 2011

With rising energy costs, green initiatives and homeowners becoming more conscious about their homes, ensuring that your home has the proper insulation can be forgotten. Today, my Guest Blogger gives tips to choose the right insulation for your home.

It’s important to make sure you have the proper amount of insulation in your home. With adequate insulation, your home will be more energy efficient, letting you see huge reductions in energy costs! Call Installed Building Products to learn more about insulation savings today.

Ensure you have the right insulation for your home

Image courtesy of Homes Result

Types of Insulation

Some types of insulation are more energy efficient than others, but no matter what type of insulation you use, you should see increased energy efficiency and lower energy bills!

The main types of insulation are:

Fiberglass insulation – fiberglass insulation is used in many, many homes (more than 75%!) and is available as blown-in/loose-fill or rolls and batts. Fiberglass insulation is often used when small gaps, leaks and crevices (especially in attics) need to be filled.

Foam insulation – when it comes to stopping air infiltration, foam insulation is some of the  best stuff you can get! Foam insulation can be sprayed, injected, poured or foamed-in-place. It completely fills cracks and gaps in your ceilings and walls to stop any air leaking in or escaping out.

Cellulose insulation – cellulose insulation is considered one of the most environmentally friendly types of insulation, made mostly of recycled materials. Cellulose insulation is also good at reducing outside noises.

Radiant barrier insulation – used mostly in attics, radiant barrier is installed to help your home reflect, rather than absorb, the sun’s energy and, therefore, increase your home’s energy efficiency.

Do you know what type of insulation you need?

Insulation Savings

Did you know that heating and cooling account for up to 70% of the energy used in many homes in this country? Did you also know that inadequate insulation and air infiltration are the leading causes of wasted energy in most homes? By insulating your home and stopping air leakage, you are increasing your energy efficiency and reducing your energy costs – a true win-win!

A professional home insulation company can help you determine where you need to insulate or where your home doesn’t have enough insulation, but to give you an idea, it’s generally a good idea to insulate:

• Attic ceiling and walls
• Basement ceiling and walls
• Crawl spaces (if you have any)
• Any gaps, leaks or cracks
• Exterior walls (especially in cold or hot and sunny climates)

Home insulation can save you money

How Insulation Saves You Money

Insulation stops air leaking in and escaping out of your home, which can cause your energy bills to increase. It also keeps your home more comfortable – warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Plus, for those of you who are watching your carbon footprint, you can rest assured you are helping the environment; with the right amount of insulation, you’re keeping heat in your home longer and aren’t burning as much fossil fuel.

For more information on insulation savings or to schedule a free home insulation assessment, call or contact Installed Building Products today!

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