How Insulation Will Help You Save On Heating Costs

As the weather starts to get cooler again, you may be wondering how to keep your home comfortable, without increasing your heating costs. The reality is, over the last 10 years, residential electricity bills in the United States have increased by nearly 15 per cent. Add to the statistics that show heating and cooling accounts for 50 to 70 per cent of the average home’s energy usage, it is no wonder we have clients consistently ask us for home improvement tips to lower utility costs. Of course, you cannot go without heating and cooling your home throughout the year - not unless you want to be incredibly uncomfortable in your home! The good news, however, is there is a very simple home improvement solution that is cost-effective, ensures your home stays temperate year round, and also decreases the amount of energy you use in your home. What is the solution? Insulation. While modern homes are better insulated than older homes, most homes built today are still not insulated to the best levels. In this article, you will learn how you can properly insulate your home, and how it will ultimately save you on heating (and cooling) costs. 

What is Insulation?

Insulation provides resistance to heat flow, which naturally lowers your heating and cooling costs. Most insulation materials work by slowing conductive heat flow (that is, the way heat moves through materials). Heat flows from warmer to cooler until there is no longer a temperate difference. In your home, this basically means in winter, heat will flow from all of your heated living spaces to all the unheated places like your attic, garage, basement and sometimes outdoors. So, in order to keep your home feeling comfortable, the heat lost needs to be replaced by your heating system, and vice versa in the summer. This makes your heating and cooling systems work much harder, which often results in an expensive energy bill. A properly insulated home, however, will decrease this heat flow by offering effective resistance to the flow of heat.  This means your heating system will not need to work as hard, which ultimately results in reduced heating costs.

Why R-Value Matters

Insulation comes in a variety of different materials, and more importantly, with different R-values per inch. The R-value of insulation measures its resistance to heat transfer. The bigger the R-value, the more effective the insulation. In tight spaces such as wall cavities, you need a high R-value per inch. In spaces like an attic or under your floors where there is more room, you can simply boost the insulation value of low R-value materials by creating a thicker layer. In most cases, the more insulation you add, the more you will save in energy consumption and utility bills. 

The Different Types of Insulation

Foam Insulation

Foam insulation is a relatively new method for insulating a home. There are different types of foam insulation, but the most common is polyurethane foam, which is sprayed into ceilings and walls. It works by quickly expanding and forming an air-tight seal, and can be used to insulate a new home or added to the insulation of an existing one. It is best used when dealing with small crevices and cracks.

Loose Fill Insulation

Loose fill insulation, which is also known as blown insulation, is one of the most commonly used types of insulation. It can be made up of a variety of materials, such as: cellulose, fiberglass, polystyrene beads, perlite or vermiculite. Loose fill insulation can be used in new or existing homes and is very versatile due to its pliable nature.

Blanket Insulation

Fiberglass insulation that comes in the form of a blanket is the best insulation for new construction and spaces that are easy to access, like attics. Blanket insulation comes in rolls or batts, making it easy to cut and fit in any space, including around electrical boxes and pipes.