WHY INSULATE?

The “Miracle” of Insulation

Insulation works by providing a continuous boundary of the “building envelope,” between conditioned indoor spaces and unconditioned outdoor spaces. Low levels of insulation, plus gaps and voids in the insulation materials can provide pathways for heat and air to easily flow into or out of a home. Approximately 40 percent of feeling physically comfortable is due to radiant heat exchange between our bodies and the surrounding interior surfaces. Increasing insulation reduces this radiant heat exchange, maintaining a more consistent level of comfort throughout a house.

Lower Utility Bills

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Building Technology’s number one recommendation to help consumers reduce energy bills is by adding insulation. Most homes in the United States are not well insulated. Older homes are particularly vulnerable, leading to high heating and air-conditioning bills. Having an energy efficient home starts with proper levels of insulation. When homes are adequately insulated, it takes less energy to heat and cool them than if they were poorly insulated. Insulation in your walls and attic keep the living space conditioned and allow your Heating and/or Air Conditioning source to run more efficiently, thus reducing your energy consumption.

Comfort

Comfort: A state of ease and satisfaction and bodily wants, with freedom from pain and anxiety.

Is your home cold in the winter and hot in the summer? Is the temperature upstairs between 8 to 12 degrees different from the temperature downstairs? Insulating your home will help keep your living space or “Comfort Zone” consistent throughout your home. This makes for a more comfortable living space throughout your home.

Increased Resale Value

Installing proper insulation levels can also make your home more attractive to potential buyers. 86% of Americans would choose one home over another based on its energy efficiency. (Energy Pulse Survey, 2006)

Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Properly insulating homes worldwide would reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by 293.5 Billion pounds over 10 years. (“Integrating Risk Assessment and Life Cycle Assessment: A Case Study of Insulation”, Harvard School of Public Health; Boston, MA)

How Much Insulation should be installed in your home?

A simple chart for homes in the Northeast:

The amount of insulation recommended in a home varies depending upon a number of factors:

• Where you live – you will need a higher R-value of insulation if you live in the Northeast than if you live in Southern California
• The age of your home – if your home is MORE than 10 years old, you likely need more insulation and there are many ways to retrofit a home with fiber glass, cellulose and spray foam insulation.
• Construction of Your Home – if your home is made of logs, uninsulated brick, stone or sheathing and no R-board, your home needs to be insulated.