Insulation reduces the transfer of heat through walls and ceilings, helping to lower energy costs and prevent a home’s heating and cooling systems from working harder than necessary. It also improves indoor comfort and can help reduce noise levels.
There are several different types of insulation available, from bulky fiberglass and rockwool to rigid foam boards to sleek foils. Some require professional installation, while others may be installed by homeowners who follow manufacturers’ instructions.
Reduced Energy Consumption
Insulation significantly reduces energy consumption, resulting in lower utility bills and cost savings over time. It also enables heating and cooling systems to operate more efficiently, reducing carbon dioxide emissions caused by power generation, and mitigating the impact on climate change.
Insulating materials block heat flow through walls, floors and ceilings by limiting the transfer of thermal radiation. They can also reflect radiant heat away from living or working spaces, or trap air—one of the best insulators—to limit convective and conductive heat flow. The effectiveness of insulation is measured by its R-value, with the higher the value, the more effective it is.
Energy-efficient insulation is available in a wide range of materials, including fiberglass, rock wool, cellulose, natural fibers and foam. Foils, films and papers that fit between wood-frame studs, joists or rafters at standard spacing, are particularly effective. The most common insulation is a blown-in-place product made from fiberglass or cellulose, although there are also loose-fill and foam insulation products.
Some insulated materials contain phase change material (PCMs), which absorb, store and release significant amounts of heat to help regulate temperature fluctuations. There are also eco-friendly options, such as recycled and natural insulation and foam insulation that is formaldehyde-free. All insulation should be installed by a professional to ensure it is sized properly and bonded securely for optimal performance.
Increased Home Value
Insulation increases the value of homes by making them more energy efficient and reducing utility costs. This decrease in energy consumption and the accompanying savings on monthly utility bills is a major selling point for homebuyers, especially those interested in eco-friendly properties. It also means less strain on the heating and cooling systems, prolonging their lifespans and lowering repair and maintenance expenses for homeowners.
In addition to decreasing energy usage, insulation helps regulate indoor temperature and provides a number of other benefits that increase the comfort and attractiveness of a property. For example, it dampens sound and can be beneficial for those living in noisy urban areas or with snoring neighbors.
When properly installed, spray foam insulation significantly reduces heat transfer between the walls and the outside air, increasing the R-value of a wall. This increased R-value helps reduce heat loss during the winter, and prevents warm air from escaping during the summer, saving homeowners money. Whether a homeowner is interested in saving on utilities, improving their living space or adding value to their property, an investment in spray foam insulation is one of the best investments they can make.
Reduced Carbon Dioxide Emissions
Insulation reduces the energy needed to maintain a comfortable temperature which in turn reduces carbon dioxide emissions. It also minimizes the need for fossil fuels to be used in the home which further reduces energy consumption and carbon footprint.
Most insulation types trap air which helps prevent BTU energy loss (the lower the R-value the more energy it loses). Additionally many of the common insulation materials in homes use recycled products which help to limit the demand on the earth’s natural resources. In addition some insulation products have a very low embodied carbon which helps limit the amount of energy needed in their production.
Poor insulation and air leaks can cost homes 15% more to heat and cool, meaning more energy bills. Moreover, this extra usage puts more stress on heating and cooling systems and reduces their lifespans. Insulation is a simple and inexpensive way to reduce this unnecessary waste of energy and reduces your energy bills.
The KPMB Lab recently compared the embodied carbon of 11 different insulation materials, including XPS, polyiso, EPS, fiberglass batts, stone wool and spray foam insulation with Owens Corning’s new blown cellulose having the lowest embodied carbon of these products. They also measured how long it would take for the operational carbon savings of these products to outweigh their embodied carbon.
Increased Comfort
Insulation slows the transfer of heat between spaces, helping you maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. It also keeps outside air from infiltrating your living space on a hot day, reducing energy consumption and saving you money.
If your home is under-insulated, you may be experiencing high energy bills and discomfort in the summer and winter. This can be caused by air leaks around windows and doors or lack of insulation in attics, walls and basements. Adding or upgrading insulation in these areas can drastically reduce your energy costs and improve comfort.
Proper insulation will keep your house warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, allowing you to comfortably live without cranking up your HVAC system or relying on extra blankets or fans. This can lead to reduced strain on your heating and cooling systems, prolonging their life and reducing the likelihood of repairs.
Insulation helps to create a greener future by reducing the need for fossil fuels, thereby decreasing carbon emissions. The reduction in energy consumption also helps to conserve natural resources and lessen the dependence on foreign imports, which contributes to a more sustainable world. Additionally, the reduction in greenhouse gases will help combat climate change. The latest innovations in insulation include aerogel, which is one of the lightest and most effective materials available for insulation.