Roadmap to Good Home Insulation and Energy Saving
by Guest on May 8, 2014
If you walk through your home and catch a chill on a fall day, it's time to consider the structure's insulation. Insulation provides a literal blanket against cold and heat from the outside. Commonly stuffing walls, ceilings and some floors, proper insulation reduces energy loss and saves money on monthly electrical bills. There are several factors to weigh when you want to improve your home insulation and energy savings.
Attention to R-Values
All insulation has a specific R-value. This numerical indicator tells you if the insulation works against freezing temperatures or simply a tropical breeze in the night. You must analyze your region's temperature and match it to the insulation that will save you money over time. For example, Florida residents can use R-value 13 to 15 insulation because they rarely have a severe cold. Alaska, in contrast, mostly uses R-value 13 to 21. Energy savings start with the right insulation for the region. If you use lightweight insulation in a snowy location, you'll be using the heater excessively, causing high energy bills. Consult with a contractor if you're unsure of your R-value needs.
Spray and Blanket Insulation
After determining the R-value, you must decide between blankets and spray insulation. You'll find the standard blanket insulation to be an inexpensive choice, but it doesn't serve small areas well. For good home insulation, save the blanket insulation for long walls with large interior spaces. Spray difficult areas, including the attic, with spray insulation. It conforms to the area's shape, making it an efficient energy saver. It's even possible to insulate your home with an injected insulation. To avoid tearing out whole walls, use an injected insulation to fill the interiors with barely any damage to the drywall. The key is to cover all spaces to stop frigid or hot air from filtering into the home.
Look Up And Down
Insulation doesn't just stop at the walls. Climb up to the attic to insulate the floor and walls. Because a lot of heat is lost in the attic, use at least an R-30 insulation to truly trap conditioned air in the home. You'll see a significant difference in your energy savings with a completely insulated attic. For homes with large space under the first floor, including a basement or garage, consider insulating your first floor. Cold air and fumes emanating from the uninsulated space below the first floor. Injector spray insulation into your floor, if possible. Aside from conserving energy, you have a great selling point with the insulated first floor.
Upgrade Windows
Your windows are one of the hardest areas to insulate because of their frame and wall connections, along with their moving panes. The best windows that provide top insulation are double pane models using trapped gas, such as argon. You'll still have natural sunlight pouring in to the home when desired, but the double glass design stops wind drafts from pouring through. Some glass even has some coating to it to reflect ultraviolet sunlight away from the home.
Window and Door Drafts
Add weather-strips to your windows and doors to stop those frustrating drafts from wafting inward through frame cracks. When the door or window is closed, you want it to form a veritable barrier to cold or hot winds. Even add a door sweep to stop drafts under front or side doors. The best doors for insulating the home are front doors constructed of solid wood or metal. Winds almost bounce off of these doors to save on energy costs.
Considering Hot Water Heaters and Plumbing
Home insulation isn't always about walls, windows or doors. Try wrapping your hot water heater in an approved insulation jacket to save on heating costs. Even some hot water pipes can be insulated as well, allowing you to save water and energy at the same time.
Good home insulation takes strategic observation of your home's internal structure. Add key insulation to the home today to see savings add up on the next monthly bills.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
91959 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
72928 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
71152 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
51492 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
30075 Views
Latest Articles
5 Reasons to Use Gutter Cleaning Services
Gutters protect your home from water damage by directing rainwater away from your roof, walls, and foundation. However, they often required regular...
on Nov 14, 2024
Before You Sign: How Home Inspections Identify Hidden Hazards in Your Future Home
Buying a home is exciting, but hidden dangers can turn that dream into a nightmare if not addressed early on. Beyond what is visible during a...
on Oct 18, 2024
The Appeal and Longevity of Natural Oil Finishes for Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors exude warmth, character, and timeless appeal in any home. To preserve and enhance these qualities, choosing the right finish is...
on May 17, 2024
Understanding Indonesia’s Real Estate Investment Laws for Foreigners
Indonesia, with its stunning landscapes, deep-rooted cultural heritage, and renowned hospitality, has emerged as a top destination for foreigners...
on Jan 25, 2024
Real Estate Development in Asian Cities
In many Asian cities, the rapid pace of urban development has led to the decline of historic districts, areas once teeming with cultural richness...
on Jan 25, 2024
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates
Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 263
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 240
- Real Estate / Finance — 200
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 147
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 116
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 113
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
Steps Involved if You Wish to Pursue Changes at Home
Home improvement projects take time and effort. You have to work hard if you wish to see these changes happen. You also have to be willing to spend...
The Risks of DIY Window Installation
It is easy to go online and look for tutorial videos. You believe that it’s easy to follow what experts share through vlogs. Therefore, when...
The Beautiful Elegance of Window Blinds
If you want to completely alter how your home looks, all you really need to do is install new window blinds. Once you have changed such a simple...
Small Home Improvement Tips That Make a Big Difference
If you are planning on renovating, there are a lot of decisions you have to consider. In fact, even if you are just redecorating you need to think...
Ideal Carport Plan for Homeowners
The carport is always covered at the top and opened at the sides that offer shelter to vehicles, especially cars. However, you should not confuse...