Insulation keeps heat in during the winter and out during the summer, saving you money on energy bills. It can be purchased in blanket batt, board or poured-in-place forms.
Any material that resists the flow of conductive heat or convective air is considered an insulator. Typical insulation materials include fiberglass, mineral wool and cellulose.
Reduces Heat Loss
Insulation prevents the loss of conditioned air from your home, cutting energy costs and increasing comfort. It does so by providing an effective barrier against heat transfer through the three basic mechanisms of thermal conduction, convection, and radiation. Conduction occurs when hot or cold objects touch each other; for example, a spoon in a hot cup of coffee conducts heat from the mug to the spoon. Convection is the movement of liquids and gases such as air; for example, warmer air rises and cooler air sinks. Radiation occurs when a heat source emits heat, such as a fire or the sun.
Insulating materials are rated for their resistance to these mechanisms of heat transfer with an R-value (imperial) or RSI (metric). The higher the R-value, the better the insulation resists heat flow. Different types of insulation are suited to different climate zones and applications, and foam or cellulose may be preferred over fiberglass for superior durability and fire safety.
Improperly insulated homes can lose up to 25% of their conditioned air. That air loss increases heating and cooling costs, wear and tear on HVAC systems, and greenhouse gas emissions. Quality insulation can significantly reduce those energy costs and help reduce your carbon footprint.
Reduces Cooling Loss
Insulation prevents the loss of heat from the house, allowing it to cool more efficiently. It also reduces air circulation between different parts of the house, which makes it easier for the AC system to keep your home at a comfortable temperature without running constantly.
Heat naturally shifts from higher to lower temperature areas until they are equal in temperature, and insulation works by slowing this process. This is the same principle that an insulated esky keeps drinks cold even when it’s hot outside.
Besides blocking heat transfer, insulation also absorbs and reduces sound, which can be a huge benefit for homeowners who live near noisy areas such as airports, schools, parks or highways. In fact, many people report that after installing insulation in their homes, they can hear the world around them less and find their houses are quieter.
All insulation has a characteristic property known as R-value, which measures how much it resists the flow of heat through its thickness. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation is.
When selecting insulation for your building, be sure to consider its R-value and thermal performance as well as the suitability of its placement in the structure. The right choice of insulation will make your heating and cooling systems more efficient, saving you money and reducing environmental impacts.
Reduces Moisture Buildup
Insulation reduces moisture buildup by forming a barrier between air and porous surfaces that can otherwise soak into them. In poorly ventilated buildings, these damp surfaces can cause rot and mould to form. In a well-ventilated building, condensation will evaporate in the space and won’t be as much of a problem, but it can still occur on cold surfaces.
Air movement is one of the main driving forces in moisture transfer. While insulating walls and roofs helps prevent air movement and decrease energy demands on heating and cooling systems, careful and permanent air sealing is essential. This is where foam insulation comes in as it seals gaps and cracks in the building envelope to help keep water vapor and heat at bay.
When a home is properly insulated, it creates a thermal barrier that keeps the heat in during the winter and out in the summer. This helps to maintain more consistent indoor temperatures throughout the year, improving occupant comfort and reducing energy bills.
Insulation is available in a variety of forms to suit different applications. It can be blown into place using special equipment, poured in or, as with rigid foam board insulation, applied with caulk or spray foam at the time of installation. Loose-fill and blanket insulation such as cellulose or rock wool are commonly used, but there are also a number of eco-friendly options that use recycled newspaper treated with natural chemicals and formaldehyde-free materials.
Reduces Noise
Insulation reduces noise transmission both outside and between different areas in a building. This acoustic benefit can make your home or workplace more relaxing and comfortable. It’s especially helpful in high-traffic areas or where neighbors live or work closely together. Insulation also helps reduce noise from ductwork in walls and ceilings, which is a common source of unwanted sounds in homes.
Insulating a building requires a wide range of materials, including cellulose, fiberglass and rock wool. These bulky fiber materials trap air or another gas to resist conductive heat flow. Rigid foam boards and sleek foils in radiant barrier insulation reflect radiant energy instead of absorbing it, keeping buildings cooler and more comfortable without sacrificing thermal performance.
Any type of insulation that slows the flow of conductive heat is an effective insulator, but not all types act as soundproofing. Cellulose, fiberglass and foam insulation limit outside noises and noises between rooms and different levels of a building. These insulations can also reduce the impact of noisy equipment like furnaces and air conditioners.
Insulation helps your heating and cooling systems perform better and can increase your monthly energy savings. It reduces wasted energy by slowing the transfer of hot and cold air in a building, which also saves resources like oil, natural gas and electricity. It can also help reduce air pollution and greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming, acid rain and other environmental concerns.