Is Your Attic Properly Insulated?

Because you presumably do not spend a great deal of time in your attic, you may be surprised to learn that it is one area of your home that can actually offer great energy savings. Without the proper amount of attic insulation in place to keep the air in your home, the money you’ve spent on utility bills might as well be thrown out the window, or more accurately…. out the roof.

You may be wondering how an area that is primarily used for storage purposes can be so essential to your home’s energy efficiency. Proper attic insulation and ventilation play major roles in maintaining the temperature and overall comfort level in your home throughout all seasons. Attic insulation is crucial for keeping cool air in your home during the hot months and warm air in your home throughout the heating season.

If air is getting out through your attic, your HVAC system has to work harder to heat or cool your home, using more energy. Putting in additional or higher quality attic insulation will aid in keeping the air in the home and stop your heating/cooling system from having to operate as long or as often, saving energy and money by reducing your utility bills. Cost savings vary based on many factors, including residents’ habits, whether you have a smart thermostat, and the type of heating/cooling system you have. On average, it is estimated that homeowners could save up to 20% on energy bills with the adequate amount of attic insulation. No matter where your home is located in North America, proper attic insulation aides in diminishing the general wear and tear on your heating and cooling system.

Now that you understand the importance of a sufficiently insulated attic, you may be thinking about what type of attic insulation is appropriate for your home.

Insulation is measured in terms of thermal resistance, known as R-Value. The higher the R-Value, the better the insulating power. Here are the three primary types of attic insulation available:

Roll-on insulation is generally the least expensive kind of attic insulation because it is rather simple and quick for professional contractors to install. It is flexible, permitting it to fit tightly between studs, rafters, etc. and the tight fit helps keep the air captured in the home.

Blown-in insulation is thought of as more efficient as a result of the loose-fill because it allows the insulation to fill smaller crevices where air could possibly leak out. Blown-in attic insulation is also moisture resistant, which helps block mold and odor from building up in your home.

Spray foam insulation is regarded to be the most energy-efficient type because it expands and tightly seals all holes where air could possibly leak from. Not only does the spray foam attic insulation result in an air-tight seal, but it generally works longer than other types of attic insulation.

If your attic is currently insulated, you may want to find out when the insulation was installed to ensure it meets the EPA guidelines for energy efficiency. Also, if the product has compressed, it could be ineffective.

If you need to have attic insulation installed or would like to have your current insulation examined, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can give a free assessment. Call 386-310-2061 or schedule an appointment online.