Insulation helps a home save energy and increase comfort. It also reduces air drafts, which reduces heating and cooling costs.
In homes that are improperly insulated, conditioned air often escapes into uninsulated walls and ceilings, forcing your heating and cooling system to work harder. The resulting high energy bills can strain any household budget.
Reduces Heat Loss
When areas of your home aren’t adequately insulated, conditioned air can escape into unheated areas and the heat from outside can enter in. This places a lot of strain on your heating and cooling systems and increases your energy bills. Adding insulation to your attic, crawl space, basement, and rim joists will establish a building envelope and help you reduce energy costs by keeping that conditioned air in your house during cold seasons and the hot air out during summer.
When properly installed, insulation slows the flow of heat and creates an airtight barrier that helps regulate indoor temperatures. It also decreases drafts and cold spots, which helps your family stay comfortable without adjusting the thermostat.
Insulation is a cost-effective way to save on energy bills, and it can pay for itself in no time at all in new homes or when installed in existing buildings. It is a green choice because it eliminates the need for excessive use of heating or cooling, which conserves non-renewable resources and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Besides decreasing your utility bill, insulation also makes your home healthier by creating a better barrier against outdoor pollutants, allergens, and dirt. It will protect you and your family from harmful contaminants and avert health risks such as respiratory ailments. Insulation also protects electrical components by reducing the risk of fire hazards and preventing the formation of moisture that can lead to mold and mildew.
Reduces Moisture Loss
Insulation helps seal the building envelope of your home, blocking passages that allow conditioned air to escape and unconditioned air to enter. This not only creates comfort, but it also saves energy and reduces utility costs year round. Insulation can be added to new homes or upgraded in existing houses by installing spray foam or injection foam, like RetroFoam, in the attic, basement and rim joist.
In addition to keeping conditioned air in the winter and hot air out of the summer, insulation slows the transfer of heat between surfaces in your house, reducing the demand for energy-consuming heating systems and air conditioners. This reduced energy usage leads to lower electricity and gas bills and a decreased environmental impact.
Moisture control is another significant benefit of insulation, safeguarding a house against condensation and mold formation that may otherwise damage or weaken structures such as wood and drywall. By stopping moisture from entering the house, insulation can prolong their lifespans and prevent costly structural repairs.
Finally, insulation acts as an effective sound barrier, preventing outside noise from disturbing your family’s sleep and creating a quieter, more serene environment. If you live near a busy road or have a snoring family member, proper insulation can help you sleep peacefully.
Reduces Noise Loss
Insulation acts as a sound barrier in your home. It reduces airborne noises like traffic, voices and TV and indoor sounds like snoring from your neighbours or children. It also reduces impact noises like footsteps and vibrations from large appliances such as your washing machine or dryer. Insulation can dampen unwanted sounds if it is made from materials that are good at it, such as cellulose and fiberglass insulation. Insulation that is not designed to act as a sound barrier, such as radiant barrier, doesn’t reduce noises.
Insulating your home is a great investment. It keeps the heat inside your home during cold seasons and prevents warm air from escaping during hot seasons, which significantly reduces energy consumption. Insulation will save you money on your electricity bills year-round and pay for itself within a short time in older homes.
Insulation is especially important in high-traffic areas or in urban intensification zones where houses are built closer together, as it can help reduce outside noise pollution. It can also improve your sleep quality, allowing you to rest better and relax during the night. This leads to increased health and wellbeing, which is essential for your overall well-being. Insulation can be installed around the whole house, but the most common areas include exterior walls, floor over unconditioned spaces (like garages and basements) and attics.
Reduces Air Leakage
In addition to regulating indoor temperatures, insulation helps reduce air leakage. When areas of the home are not insulated, conditioned air escapes through drafty doors and windows, and unconditioned air infiltrates through cracks around electrical outlets and lighting fixtures. This can cause inconsistencies in room temperature, which forces HVAC systems to work harder to maintain a comfortable climate. Insulation and air sealing prevent this wasting of energy and helps lower home energy bills year round.
Using insulation and air sealing in the attic, walls, crawl spaces and basement, is one of the best ways to lower your energy bills and increase your comfort. It’s a cost-effective investment that typically pays for itself in lower utility bills, greater home value and tax incentives.
When you have the right amount of insulation installed, your home will feel warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. That means you don’t have to crank up the heat or air conditioner as much, which saves money on energy bills and minimizes the environmental impact of fossil fuel-based heating and cooling. In addition, the insulation acts as a sound barrier and blocks outside noises such as traffic or airplanes from coming into your home. The result is a more quiet and peaceful living environment for you and your family all year round.