With winter approaching fast, many people are getting their homes ready to take on the cold. As you get yourself prepared for the new season, make sure to inspect your home’s insulation. A well-insulated home can keep the heat in and your home nice and toasty throughout the colder months. Here’s a helpful guide by the pros at Freedom Air and Heat on how proper insulation can help keep you warm this winter!
What Is “Proper Insulation”?
When insulating your home, there are several factors that go into determining what is best and most effective for you. Here are some that you should consider:
- R-Value
R-Value is the rating system used to rate insulation material and products based on their ability to resist heat flow. The higher the R-Value the greater the thermal resistance of the insulation material.
- Region
One big factor that goes into determining proper insulation material is the region you live in. The colder your climate, the higher thermal resistance you will need, which means you’ll want insulation with higher R-Value. ENERGY STAR has a great guide on R-Values and climates to use as a reference.
- Insulation Type
Lastly, you need to consider which insulation type is best for the region you live in, the R-Value you need and your budget. Loose fill fiberglass is the most adaptable type of insulation and the best for cold weather, radiant barrier is the best for hot and sunny climates whereas spray foam is ideal for resisting moisture. If you want to keep the cold out this winter, we recommend loose fill or batts fiberglass insulation.
Where Should I Add Insulation?
To keep yourself warm this winter, there are certain places you that should most definitely be well-insulated:
- Attic
Heat tends to escape from the attic as it is the highest point in your home, so make sure the attic is well-insulated. If you want an extra layer of protection against air leaks, use an attic stair cover. This item, which resembles a tent made of aluminum foil, can reduce the risk of air leaks and keep your attic well-covered.
- Floors
Make sure you insulate the floor above colder spaces like garages and crawl spaces. These areas tend to be uninsulated and drafty, causing a lot of heat to escape.
- Exterior Walls
Uninsulated exterior walls can be prone to draftiness. Insulating your exterior walls, especially in a colder climate, will be worth the cost as this can keep your home a lot warmer.
How Can Insulation Make a Difference on My Bill?
Insulation can not only keep your home warm but it can greatly reduce your heating and cooling bills. According to the Department of Energy, you can save up to 20% on your home’s heating and cooling costs and up to 10% on overall energy costs.
Have anymore questions about how proper insulation can keep you warm this winter? Get in touch with the pros at Freedom Air and Heat. Call us today at 321-631-6886 or schedule a service online!
