Maintain Home Temperatures With The Right Attic Insulation

It may be surprising to learn that your attic is one section of your house that can offer significant energy savings. With properly installed attic insulation, both heated or cooled air and prevention from outside air coming in can radically change your high utility bills.

An attic is usually a place used for storage purposes, but it can also be an essential way to boost your home’s energy efficiency. Additionally, it plays a vital role in controlling the temperature while ensuring an overall comfort level in your home throughout the year. Insulating your attic is an essential part of keeping your home cool during the hot season. It also helps keep warm air in your home throughout the cold spells.

The Science Behind Attic Insulation

When heated or cooled air gets outside through your attic, the HVAC system has to work longer to cool or heat your home, leading to higher energy demand. The addition of high-quality attic insulation will help keep the air in the house while preventing the heating or cooling system from working harder than it needs to. This leads to energy savings and reduces your utility bills.

Cost fluctuations rise and fall due to a variety of factors, including residents’ habits, the type of heating or cooling system, or the presence of a smart thermostat. Many homeowners end up saving a fifth of their energy bills after proper installation. Furthermore, it will help in reducing general wear and tear on heating and cooling systems.

Varieties of Insulation for Your Attic

Since adequate attic insulation is so important, you may wonder which type is best for your home. Products are rated according to their thermal resistance, which is termed as the R-Value. The higher the R-Value, the better the insulating power.

Generally, houses in a cold climate are advised to maintain a minimum of R-49 in the attic. For homes in warmer climates, you should use R-38. Below are some of the different types of insulation available for your attic:

Roll-on Insulation

This is generally the least costly type since it’s relatively fast and straightforward for professional contractors to install. It’s highly flexible, thus allowing it to fit in between rafters, studs, and much more. The tight fit will also help keep the air trapped in your home.

Blown-in Insulation

This is efficient because of its loose-fill, thus allowing it to fill into smaller crevices where air can leak out. It tends to be more moisture resistant, thus helping keep mold and odor from forming in your home.

Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam is more effective since it expands while tightly sealing all holes where air can leak. It not only creates an airtight seal, but it also lasts longer compared with other types.

How Often Should You Inspect your Insulation?

Under ideal conditions, its longevity can be excellent, with a life expectancy of 100 years or more for each home. However, this can vary. According to the U.S Department of Energy, your home attic insulation should be inspected at least once in a year.

If you need attic insulation installed in your home or would like to have an inspection, call Airco Service today for a free assessment.