Energy Efficient Insulation is one of the most cost-effective home improvement projects. It improves energy efficiency, lowers utility bills and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Insulation slows the transfer of heat through conduction, radiation and air flow. This results in reduced dependence on heating and cooling systems that require substantial amounts of energy.
Reduces Heat Loss
The primary function of insulation is to prevent unwanted air movement and build thermal resistance, thereby reducing the amount of energy required to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. This reduces building energy consumption, which in turn lowers energy bills and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Almost half of the energy in a home is consumed by heating and cooling, so it’s important to get your home or office properly insulated. Without proper insulation, buildings lose up to 80% of the air they heat or cool, making them less efficient and costly to run. With the right insulation, buildings retain the same internal temperature year round and require significantly less energy to operate, resulting in significant savings on electricity and gas bills.
All materials allow some level of heat to pass through them, but insulation reduces the amount of heat that passes in or out, which makes it a cost effective way to improve building energy efficiency. Insulation, in combination with air sealing and good window and door seals, will make a real difference to your energy bills.
The main reason GreenHomes assists homeowners is to solve their home comfort issues, which in most cases are caused by air leakage and inadequate attic or wall insulation. An energy audit can help determine how much air is leaking in or out of your home, along with a detailed report on current insulation levels and quality of installation.
Reduces Air Leakage
Insulation reduces air leakage in a building envelope by blocking the passage of heat from warmer areas to cooler areas. In cold climates, this prevents the build up of a thermal surplus and limits energy demand for heating. In warmer climates, it limits the transfer of unwanted heat to adjacent rooms and the outdoor environment.
Heat loss is a significant source of energy waste in homes. Upgrading insulation and sealing air leaks is one of the fastest, most cost-effective ways to save energy, cut utility bills, and help reduce your carbon footprint.
Homeowners can reduce air leakage and improve the insulation in their homes by caulking, sealing, and weather stripping. A home energy audit can identify the best areas to focus these improvements. In addition, federal income tax credits included in the Inflation Reduction Act make it even more financially viable to invest in home energy efficiency upgrades.
All materials allow some amount of heat to pass through them, but insulation slows down conductive heat flow and reduces radiant heat transfer. It also stops hot air from escaping in the winter and cool air from entering in the summer.
The effectiveness of insulation depends on the type and thickness of the material, and its R-value. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation. The R-value of a material is determined by measuring the amount of thermal energy it absorbs or transmits to the surrounding atmosphere.
Reduces Noise Leakage
Insulation acts as a noise barrier, protecting you and your family from the sounds of traffic or other outdoor noise. This benefit is sometimes overlooked. It is especially beneficial for families living in urban areas, near busy roads or anywhere where noise pollution is a problem.
Energy efficiency insulation helps reduce the transmission of sound waves through walls and floors. This is also beneficial for multi-residential buildings or apartments in which sound from one unit can travel into other units.
While many of us think of insulation primarily in terms of temperature regulation, there are also many secondary benefits including improved indoor comfort and reduced energy costs. Insulation cuts down on unwanted heat loss and gain, helping to reduce our reliance on heating and cooling systems which require substantial amounts of energy.
Energy efficient insulation is typically made of materials that are environmentally friendly and sustainable. Several types of insulation are available, from bulky fiber materials such as fiberglass, rockwool or cellulose to sleek foils and radiant barriers. The most important consideration when choosing an insulation is its R-value per inch of thickness. Spray foam offers superior R-value for its size, outperforming most other conventional insulations. It also lasts longer and requires less maintenance. The cost of installation is often recuperated in less than a year in the form of lower energy bills.
Reduces Carbon Footprint
Most homes in America are under-insulated and have air leaks that waste energy. Insulation and draught-proofing are two of the most affordable ways homeowners can save energy, significantly lower their heating costs and reduce carbon emissions. Adding insulation and sealing air leaks in your home can save you a national average of 11% on your energy bills and up to 15% of your heating costs and emissions.
The primary goal of insulation is to prevent unwanted air movement and build thermal resistance. It works by blocking heat flow from one area to another. The resulting energy savings reduce the demand for fossil fuels and associated GHG emissions.
In addition, a significant amount of carbon is released during the production and transportation of non-renewable insulation products like fiberglass, mineral wool and spray foam. Insulation made from organic materials such as cotton, cellulose and recycled fibres have significantly lower embodied carbon footprints.
Choosing the right insulation type for your project can help you lower your carbon footprint even further. Whether you choose flexible blankets made from recycled plastic, blown-in loose-fill fiber, mineral wool or cellulose insulation, they all save energy in your building by stopping it from being wasted through air leaks. They do this for the life of the building, requiring no additional energy to maintain them, unlike conventional insulation which requires ongoing maintenance and replacement.