subject: Insulation Helps You Save On Bill And Tax [print this page] Before installing insulation at your home, you must get the home energy audit done to assess what is the cause of energy loss. The house may be losing energy due to inadequate insulation or air leaks and in order to reduce or eliminate the cause you need to take adequate measures. Places which are losing energy due to improper or no insulation needs to be properly insulated and gaps causing air leaks need to be sealed.
Insulating the attics and outside walls is not sufficient, there are other areas if the house which also needs to be insulated. Cathedral ceilings, basement walls, knee walls, in between interior walls as well as ceilings and floors with unheated spaces are some of the other areas of your house where insulation must be installed. In addition, you can even replace your old single-pane windows with double- insulated new windows such as vinyl windows which are more energy efficient and provide value for your money.
There are different types of insulation for you to choose from, including blown-in, spray-on, rigid fiber and radiant barrier insulation. Furthermore, several insulating materials are available in the market, amongst which you may choose as per amount of insulation required, which is numerically measured in terms of R-values. Higher the R-values, better insulation provided by the material. Spray foam and loose-fill fiberglass, are effective insulation options which are extensively being used in commercial and residential buildings. There are Green Insulation alternatives as well, such as cotton fiber batt and blown in Cellulose Insulation; which are healthy, natural and renewable.
Moreover, the money spend on purchasing and installing insulation, New Windows or duct repair, is the wisest investment you could have done. Proper insulation not only makes your home energy efficient, comfortable and add value to your home, but can also save at least 30% of your home's heating and cooling costs.
