While nearly every home has some level of insulation, some homes have spots where insulation is either inadequate or missing altogether. To be truly energy efficient, home insulation needs to be installed throughout your living space, from the basement to the attic.
What Purpose Does Home Insulation Serve?
Insulation slows the movement of heat between your home and the outside environment. To some extent, insulation also stops air movement, but this isn’t its primary purpose. That’s why any productive weatherizing strategy requires a combination of insulation and air sealing.
A properly insulated home will have less heat gain during the summer and less heat loss during the winter. When your home gains or loses heat, your A/C or furnace has to work harder to meet your thermostat’s setting. This means higher energy bills, more stress on HVAC components, and a draftier, less comfortable home.
Where Should Insulation Go?
Most HVAC experts agree that your attic is the most important place to add insulation if you have to prioritize your insulating project. Upgrading the insulation in your attic will have the quickest impact on your energy bills. In a fully insulated attic, you won’t see heat escaping from your living space into your attic during the winter, or high attic temperatures spreading downwards during the summer.
However, you don’t want to stop by just insulating your attic. It’s essential to have adequate insulation in your walls since, in most homes, they provide the most surface area for heat loss or gain to occur. Your basement and/or crawlspace should also be insulated, as well as the ceiling/floor space between your basement and ground floor. Ductwork, especially any running through unconditioned areas, should also be insulated.
For more advice on effective home insulation, please contact Pipe Works Services We service Madison, Chatham, Summit, Florham Park, Basking Ridge, Short Hills, Millburn, New Providence, Millington, Berkeley Heights, and more!