Properly designed insulation and refractories reduce energy loss, conserve energy and protect the environment. They also provide a range of other benefits including a more comfortable indoor climate, reduced life cycle costs and lower embodied carbon.
Insulation is one of the most cost effective ways to improve energy efficiency in new and existing buildings. It can also work in conjunction with other energy saving techniques such as air sealing and ventilation.
Insulation in the walls
Before energy codes became common, builders rarely insulated walls in new homes. Insulating the walls of an existing home can greatly improve a homeowner’s comfort and lower their utility bills.
Wall insulation slows the transfer of heat from hotter rooms to cooler ones. This allows your home to stay at a more stable temperature and reduces the use of energy-using appliances such as air conditioning units. Insulation in the walls also decreases noise.
It’s more cost effective to add insulation during the construction of a new house rather than trying to improve it later. In fact, incorporating the right amount of insulation during building can result in a higher R-value than required by code.
The R-value of insulation is a measure of its ability to prevent the flow of heat. The higher the R-value, the more efficient it is. However, R-value is not the only factor that determines an insulation’s efficiency. For example, a fiberglass batt may have a high R-value but is less efficient than an insulated concrete form (ICF) wall.
The most effective way to insulate walls is by using spray foam. The foam fills nooks and crannies in the wall, creating an even surface that reduces air leaks. For the best results, the area to be insulated should be free of any drywall or other materials that might interfere with the application of the foam.
Insulation in the floors
Adding floor insulation is a great way to make your home more energy-efficient, especially if you have ground floors or a multi-story property. Up to 15% of heat and cool air can be lost through floors, so insulating these can greatly reduce your energy usage.
In addition to reducing energy consumption, floor insulation also minimizes sound transfer between levels of a building, resulting in a more peaceful living environment. It is important to choose the right insulation material, as different types of insulation have varying R-Values and other properties that affect their effectiveness.
There are a number of options available for laying floor insulation, including foam boards, loose-fill, reflective insulation and spray foam insulation. Each of these have different properties that can impact their performance, but each offers a cost-effective solution to improving energy efficiency and comfort.
The type of insulation you choose will depend on a number of factors, including the climate where you live and your energy usage habits. A good starting point is to use the R-Value recommendations based on your region to help you determine what level of insulation you need.
Once you have chosen the right kind of floor insulation, you can lay it yourself or hire a professional to do it for you. If you do decide to lay it yourself, be sure to fix a damp proof membrane before installing your insulation, as this will prevent moisture from damaging it over time.
Insulation in the roof
Insulation is one of the simplest and most effective energy-saving projects you can undertake. It prevents warm air from escaping during the winter, and hot air from entering in the summer, allowing you to achieve a moderate room temperature without having to rely as heavily on your AC’s or heaters. This translates to significant savings on your energy bills and helps reduce your carbon footprint.
The type of insulation you choose depends on the climate where you live and your construction style. There are several types of insulation materials available, including rock and slag wool, natural fibres, cellulose, fiberglass batts and rolls, as well as rigid foam boards such as XPS or polyisocyanurate, and sleek foils. Some types of insulation are flammable, so if you live in a fire-prone area, it’s best to opt for non-flammable options.
If you’re planning to add insulation to the roof, it’s important to ensure that the R value is high enough to achieve your desired energy efficiency. A higher R value will prevent heat loss, lower your heating and cooling bills, and help you save money by reducing your energy usage. When you calculate the R value, remember to include both up and down figures. This will ensure that the total R value is accurate and is not reduced due to thermal bridging, compression of bulk insulation or dust settling on reflective surfaces.
Insulation in the ceiling
A properly installed attic insulation can significantly reduce a building’s energy costs and improve its comfort. During the summer, it prevents direct sunlight from drastically increasing room temperature, while during the winter it helps to keep rooms warmer by slowing down the transfer of heat into the space.
The effectiveness of a home’s insulation can be determined by its R value, which represents its resistance to thermal flow. This rating is determined by how much air must pass through a particular material to create a flow of heat, and it is typically displayed on insulation packaging. It is important to choose a suitable R-value for the climate zone in which you live.
Most homes are under-insulated, and sealing air leaks along with adding insulation is one of the most cost effective improvements you can make. According to the EPA, homeowners can save on average 11% of their total home energy bills by air sealing and adding insulation, including in attics and floors over crawl spaces.
In addition to saving on energy costs, insulating the ceiling also reduces noise and can increase the resale value of a house. Furthermore, insulating the ceiling can reduce humidity levels which can contribute to mildew, mold and disease. The best time to insulate the ceiling of a house is during construction or significant renovations, as it allows for easier access and can be done without disturbing existing structures.