Unfortunately, there are millions of homes in the United States that were constructed with very little energy efficiency. Many homes, especially older homes, were built without or very little insulation in the walls, floors, attic or roof. Insulating your home is the best way to increase the comfort level in your home, and reduce your monthly energy bill.
During those hot summer days, outdoor heat desperately tries to seep into your home, invade your space and over run the interior air conditioning. Meanwhile, the warm comfortable air tends to escape through unsealed windows and doors, and into unheated spaces in your home; basements, garages and even the cold outside elements. Without your knowledge, the majority of your home’s heating and cooling loss escapes through the attic, basement, walls, and floors.
Proper insulation prevents the space from losing heat during the cold winter months and prevents heat from entering the space during the hot summer months. The end result is quite rewarding. Insulating your home will cut money off your home’s heating and cooling bill, to make your home more energy efficient and place money back into your pocket-book.
Insulation Material Options
Many homeowners just don’t have the experience when it comes to insulating their home. These same homeowners have questions regarding measuring their insulation, choosing the best method, and more. Insulation is measured using R-values, or the “resistance to heat flow.” The higher the R-value the better protected your home will be to the outside elements. However, not all insulation options are the same.
There are many different choices of insulation; Fiberglass, foam, cotton, cellulose, slag wool or rock wool. Other popular choices are spray foam insulation and blown insulation. These are used where insulation materials already exist. Blown insulation is used in those hard to reach areas of your home. Before selecting your home’s insulation, speak to an experienced insulation contractor to obtain an understanding about the insulation materials best suited for your home’s specific needs, budget and climate/location.
Seek the Advice of a Professional
If you aren’t a do-it-yourselfer, you may be a little unsure of what your home needs when it comes to insulation. If you fit into this category, it is best to seek the professional advice of an experienced insulation contractor. This expert will complete an on-site inspection, provide a professional consultation and a free estimate, and recommend the best and most cost effective way to solve the problem. This expert will also discuss your options and give you plenty of time to make the best decision. A professional insulation contractor has the appropriate experience and equipment to install insulation into your home, including those hard to reach spaces; basement, walls, floors, attic and roof.
Seeking a reputable insulation contractor is very important, but can be very difficult because the insulation you select to install in your home only protects your home if correctly installed. Incorrectly installed insulation is very unfortunate and can end up costing you more money, long-term.
When seeking a contractor, it is best to ask friends and family for personal references, research the company’s background, check the company’s history with customers and check to see if your household qualifies for a tax-credit for purchase and making your home more Eco-friendly.