Is Your Attic Properly Insulated?

Because you likely don’t spend much time in your attic, you may be surprised to know that it is one part of your home that can actually offer significant energy savings. Without the adequate amount of attic insulation in place to trap the air in your home, the money you’ve invested in utility bills might as well be thrown out the window, or more appropriately…. out the roof.

You may be questioning how an area that is mainly used for storage purposes can be so important to your home’s energy efficiency. Sufficient attic insulation and ventilation play considerable roles in controlling the temperature and overall comfort level in your home throughout all seasons. Attic insulation is necessary for keeping cool air in your home during the hot months and warm air in your home throughout the heating season.

If air is escaping through your attic, your HVAC system has to work harder to heat or cool your home, requiring more energy. Adding additional or higher quality attic insulation will assist 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 differ based on many factors, like residents’ habits, whether you have a smart thermostat, and the type of heating/cooling system you have. On average, it is estimated that homeowners may save up to 20% on energy bills with the proper amount of attic insulation. No matter where your home is located in North America, proper attic insulation assists in reducing the general wear and tear on your heating and cooling system.

Now that you understand the importance of a properly insulated attic, you may be contemplating 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 main types of attic insulation available:

Roll-on insulation is generally the least expensive kind of attic insulation because it is fairly easy 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 trapped in the home.

Blown-in insulation is thought of as more efficient due to the loose-fill because it allows the insulation to fill smaller spaces where air could possibly leak out. Blown-in attic insulation is also moisture resistant, which helps block mold and odor from collecting 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 construct 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 provide a free assessment. Call 469-250-0932 or schedule an appointment online.