When properly installed, insulation prevents air from escaping your house in winter and keeping the hot summer air from infiltrating into living spaces. This reduces energy usage and makes your house more comfortable.
EPA estimates that you can save up to 15% of heating and cooling costs per year by upgrading your attic and crawl space and basement rim joists.
Reduces the flow of heat
Insulation seals air leaks that make heating and cooling systems work harder to keep up with a constant indoor temperature. That reduces the overall energy consumption of your home or commercial space, lowering your energy bills.
Heat transfer by conduction is the most common way that heat escapes your home, and insulation helps to prevent this. The ability of a material to resist this type of heat transfer is measured by its R-value. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation is. Insulation materials contain tiny pockets of air that slow down the flow of heat, helping to keep warm air in during the winter and cool air in during the summer.
Another common type of heat loss is through radiation, which can occur when a hot object or surface radiates heat into the surrounding air. Again, the R-value of a material will determine how effective it is at preventing radiation. Insulation materials that use cellulose, fiberglass or cotton are some of the most effective at reducing the amount of radiation that passes through walls, ceilings and floors.
You’ve likely noticed that your bare hand doesn’t feel the chill of a block of ice, even when held tightly against it. This is because the air inside your glove is warm, and insulated materials can keep your home’s indoor temperatures consistent, reducing the need for energy-intensive heating and cooling. Insulation also acts as a moisture barrier, reducing condensation and preventing mold growth and rotting.
Reduces the flow of cold
As a result, insulation minimizes the energy required to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. This reduces your electricity or fuel consumption and helps to cut carbon dioxide emissions, which are a major cause of global warming.
It’s not just inefficient heating and cooling systems that increase your power bills; old insulation can also contribute to higher energy consumption. Adding new insulation to your home is one of the most cost-effective ways to lower your energy bills.
Insulation works by providing resistance to the flow of heat through conduction, convection, and radiation. It does this by forming an effective barrier that reduces the flow of cold and hot air through gaps and cracks in your home. In winter, it keeps warm conditioned air inside your home, and in summer it resists the transfer of hot outdoor air into your home.
The physics behind how insulation works is simple: it traps tiny pockets of air to slow the transfer of heat between areas with different temperatures. This is similar to how a goose down jacket will keep you toasty warm, even on the chillyest days – because the feathers create millions of tiny air pockets that retain heat. The same principle applies to insulation, which uses loose fill, cellulose, or spray-in foam to limit the movement of air.
Reduces the flow of noise
Insulation is the material used to keep heat, sound, and electricity from spreading. For example, a thermos of hot chocolate stays warm when you drink it because of the insulation inside it, and an insulated ice chest keeps your drinks and food cold on the beach even when it’s scorching hot outside.
In buildings, insulation reduces the flow of both noise and heat through walls, floors, and ceilings. It does this by trapping pockets of air to slow the transfer of energy from one area to another, so the building feels more comfortable and is less expensive to run.
Insulation reduces heat loss in winter, saving you money on your heating bills, and in summer it stops much of the sun’s unwanted heat from penetrating your home, reducing your need for air conditioning and further cutting your energy usage and your energy bills. Many people report that the cost of insulating their home is recouped within a year!
Insulation can be used in attics, ducts, and other parts of the home that are susceptible to air leaks. It can also be added to the walls of a home to reduce external noise pollution, and is ideal for homes near busy roads or railway tracks. Noise pollution can have a detrimental effect on a person’s quality of life and can be a source of stress, but a well-insulated home will help to eliminate much of this unwanted noise.
Reduces the flow of dust
Insulation helps keep dust, allergens, and other pollutants out of your living space. This means your HVAC system has to work less, and you’ll enjoy a more comfortable indoor environment. Insulation also protects against moisture infiltration, preventing mold growth, mildew, and structural damage.
It’s estimated that up to 25% of household energy is wasted due to inadequate insulation, and improper insulation in homes can result in high electricity bills throughout the year. If you’re in need of new insulation, check for the following signs that your home is under-insulated:
Do you feel a drastic temperature shift between rooms in your house? Is there a lot of condensation in one area of your home (which could indicate a leak in the attic or roof)? Do you notice icicles hanging from your roof in winter (a sign of an uninsulated attic)?
The upfront cost of insulating your house can be intimidating, but it doesn’t take long for the investment to be recouped by savings on energy bills. Furthermore, proper insulation can reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a greener planet. If you are in need of new insulation, it’s best to have a professional install it to avoid moisture issues and ensure a safe installation. Contact your local weatherization office to see if you qualify for low-income assistance.