Are you looking for ways to save money on your energy bills? Have you thought about your home’s insulation? Heating and cooling costs can take a big bite out of your budget. Did you know that heating and cooling account for up to 70% of your household energy costs? Ernst Heating & Cooling wants our Metro East customers to keep their hard-earned dollars. Find out how to keep your indoor air from seeping through the cracks during our Midwest sweltering summers and freezing winters.
What is home insulation, and why is it important?
Insulation is, simply put, materials that you can install around your home to put an extra layer between your home’s interior and the outdoor elements. Good insulation can mean the difference between a warm home in winter and one where the heat is seeping through the roof or the walls. Want proof? Take a look around your neighborhood after the first snowfall. Heavily insulated homes will have snow on the roof, while those without good insulation will have bare roofs because their heat is melting the snow. Who wants to pay for energy that leaves the house so quickly?
Good insulation is also important during the summer months when we’re all seeking respite from the unrelenting outdoor heat. Heat likes to move from warm spaces into cool ones. That’s why you’ll notice the outside heat seems to always want to come and ruin your cool interior. Insulation adds a barrier and makes it harder for the heat to move indoors.
Types of insulation
Insulation comes in several different material types, each with its own benefits and drawbacks:
Fiberglass lives up to its name. This insulation is made from fine pieces of glass fibers that come in batts, rolls, or loose-fill. You may already have fiberglass in your attic or crawl space. It’s a great insulating alternative, but it can be irritating to your skin and airways, so handle it with care.
Mineral wood is similar to fiberglass, except it is made of volcanic rock or recycled slag wool, an iron ore waste product. This insulation is often found around walls, ceilings and fireplaces, due to the fact that it’s fire-resistant and water-resistant.
Cellulose is made from recycled paper products like newspapers. It’s usually available as loose fill and can be blown into attics and crawl spaces. When treated with boric acid, cellulose can be fire-resistant as well.
Spray foam is made from polyurethane that is sprayed into cracks and gaps. It’s very effective, but it can also be more expensive than other insulation types.
Rigid board insulation can be made from dense, closed cells foam. This type of insulation comes in sheets and is often installed around foundations, walls and rooms.
Insulation types can also be differentiated by R-value, a term standing for “resistant values.” Materials with higher R-value offer better insulation. Think of it like clothes – that thin sweater can look nice, but it’s not going to capture your body heat as well as your insulated fleece jacket. Spray foam and rigid board insulation tend to have the highest R-values.
The benefits of insulation
Proper installation can certainly melt your high energy bills because it keeps the comfortable air inside your home instead of sharing it with the outdoors. However, other welcome benefits include:
Increased comfort: Good insulation keeps the drafts away and cuts down on those cool spots and hot spots throughout your home.
Increased home value: If you’re planning to sell your home soon, new insulation can add to the home’s selling price.
Better environmental impacts: In the quest for greener energy alternatives, insulation can cut down on energy usage and waste. Ernst Heating & Cooling is your home comfort expert. If your home isn’t staying cool this summer – or you’re worried about whether you’ll be warm enough when winter hits – reach out to Ernst Heating & Cooling now. Our expert technicians can evaluate your home and advise you on any improvements that will pay you back in comfort and energy savings. Call Ernst Heating & Cooling how at 618.217.1836 or fill out our online form. Learn more about protecting your home and improving your overall home comfort with Ernst Heating & Cooling.