Insulation
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Introduction
Insulation can reduce energy usage in your home and business by up to 20%. Insulation provides a continuous thermal barrier minimizing heat flow through the walls, ceiling and floor. The result is increased comfort and reduced heating and cooling costs.
Technology Options
Ratings
Insulation is rated in terms of its thermal resistance, which indicates its resistance to heat flow. The higher the "R-value", the more effective the insulation. R-values of thermal insulation vary depending on the type of material, its thickness and its density. For multi-layered installation, the R-values of the different layers are simply added up. In short, installing more insulation on your building increases the R-value and the resistance to heat flow.
Types of Insulation
Although insulation can be made from a variety of materials, it usually comes in four types batts, rolls, loose-fill and rigid foam boards.
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Where to Insulate
The easiest and most cost-effective way to insulate a home is to add insulation in the attic. To find out if you have enough attic insulation, measure the thickness of insulation. If there is less than R-22 (seven inches of fiber glass or rock wool, or six inches of cellulose) you could probably benefit by adding more insulation. Most U.S. homes should have between R-22 and R-49 insulation in the attic, depending on climate. If the attic has ample insulation and the home still feels drafty and cold in the winter or too warm in the summer, chances are you need to add insulation to the exterior walls. Wall insulation usually requires a contractor, but it may be worth the cost if you live in a very hot or cold climate. You may also need to add insulation to the walls or the floor above the crawl space.
To find the optimum levels recommended by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for your general location, check the Energy Savers R-Value map. You can also determine optimum insulation for your specific needs, using DOE's interactive ZIP Code Insulation tool.
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For more technical information on insulation, see: | ||
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Efficiency Benefits
A good insulating system includes a combination of products and construction techniques that improve a building's thermal performance, protects it against air infiltration and controls moisture. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), improving your insulation, combined with proper air sealing, can yield savings of up to 20% on your next energy bill. Exact money and energy savings depend on the previous level of insulation, your climate and the type of insulation you install.
Manufacturers
Advanced Fiber Technology , CertainTeed, Dow Chemical and Owens Corning are some of the manufacturers of ENERGY STAR qualified insulation. For a complete list, visit the ENERGY STAR website.
Purchasing Tips
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