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evaluating
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Evaluating Insulation Projects
Homeowners everywhere are trying to discover
ways to lower their monthly energy bills. Families usually
resort to making sure lights and appliances are turned off
when they are not being used, and that the thermostat is
not being abused. What they don't know is that an estimated
60% of energy is used by heating and cooling. By investing
in insulation, you will save the amount of money needed
to pay for the cost of installation and continue to save
afterwards. Also, insulation will bring a greater sense
of comfort to your home by trapping heat in the winter and
cold air in the summer.
Poor insulation and air leakage are the
top two reasons for energy waste. Even the newest of homes
can benefit from insulation. Areas that require major insulation
attention include attics, basement walls and ceilings, unheated
floor spaces, exterior walls and crawl spaces. Before you
decide to insulate these areas, certain elements must be
carefully evaluated.
Insulation will not be as effective until
you control all of your homes air leaks. Many of these leaks
exist within the attic. However, an air leak can exist in
any opening between your walls and floors. A professional
insulation contractor can assist you in locating some of
these hard to find air leaks. Ventilation is another important
factor to consider before insulating. Ventilation is essential
because it relates to moisture control and indoor air pollution.
Keep these aspects in mind before you begin to install.
Once you have successfully located all
of the areas in which you want to insulate, you must then
decide what kind of insulation to buy. Consider elements
such as climate, your budget, and the design of your house
before selecting insulation. Insulation is determined by
its R-value. R-value measures thermal resistance. It is
important to know that the thicker the insulation is, the
higher the R-value. However, R-value is also determined
by material and weight. Overall, it is the space requiring
the insulation that determines the type of insulation needed.
Forms of insulation include loose-fill, batts or blankets,
rigid foam and reflective insulation systems.
Coverage and cost are additional factors
that need to be taken into consideration. Coverage affects
how efficiently the insulation will perform. If you leave
un-insulated gaps within your home, you will be creating
thermal leaks that may make for increased heating or cooling
costs. It is a difficult task for a homeowner and even a
professional to achieve the required amount of coverage.
For this reason, the best results are granted to those that
invest more time on the job. The more time a professional
puts in, the higher the installed cost of the insulation.
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