The point of insulation is to help control and effectively distribute heat absorption while keeping out the cold. It sounds simple, right? You just pack insulation into all the places where heat is likely to escape and you are good to go.
The problem with that is there are a number of common mistakes homeowners make when installing insulation. If you get it wrong, it could reduce the effectiveness of your insulation and increase, rather than cut energy costs.
Principles of Insulation
Basically, you need to ensure your home is insulated from top to bottom. Heat can escape from a number of areas, and cold can also penetrate if you don’t heed proper insulation principles. Roof spaces, walls, ceilings and floors are the most common structures that require insulation to keep the cold at bay.
Air Sealing
If you have any air leaks, it is important to seal them before you begin installing insulation. These are typically found in attic spaces. It is also important to check for any damage to your roof, including structures such as joints, and carry out any necessary repairs.
Energy Standards
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends you use insulation that will meet the R-30 to R-60 standard. If you are working with a budget, you don’t need to overspend on expensive insulation if you are improving upon the insulation that is already installed. To fill gaps and improve your insulation, you can use the same type or even a lighter weight to reach the standard.
Conditioned Ducts
If you have ducts in your home for air conditioning, it is important to check whether they are in conditioned or unconditioned rooms and spaces. You can block off unconditioned ducks to save on energy by preventing heat escaping or cold getting in. Unconditioned areas, like the attic, are not ideal places to have HVAC ducts to begin with. Using insulation to block them will improve heat flow to where it is needed – not the attic.
DIY Disasters
Installing insulation is not as simple as it may seem. If you fail to measure correctly, purchase the wrong thickness or miss areas that are reducing effective heat conduction, you are practically throwing away money. If you are not sure what you are doing, call in the professionals to optimize your insulation.
Reach out to Tell Projects, and we will get the job done quickly and without leaving a mess. We look forward to helping you save on your heating bills for many winters to come.