Before winter arrives in the Metro-East area, you want to make sure your home is as energy-efficient as possible. This will help you stay warm in your house while also keeping your heating costs minimized. One of the best ways to do this is to add cost-effective insulation throughout your house.
Insulation can be installed in your attic, ceilings, basement and crawlspaces to ensure that heat isn’t able to transfer easily into and out of your home. Insulation is measured in R-values, and the U.S. Department of Energy has recommended levels of insulation based on the climate conditions of your area. You can use this map to figure out the amounts suggested for the area you live in; the Edwardsville area straddles Zones 4 and 5.
There are a variety of materials that insulation can be made from, but the following are the four most commonly found types of cost-effective insulation:
- Rolls and batts (aka blankets) – Made from mineral fibers like fiberglass, these are suitable for spaces around wall studs and floor or attic joists.
- Loose-fill insulation – This type of insulation has to be blown into spaces using special pneumatic equipment where it will then conform to the cavity it is being installed in, making it ideal for difficult to reach areas.
Rigid foam insulation – This is more expensive than fiber insulation but it offers a very efficient solution that takes up less space. This makes it ideal for places that require a high R-value but have space limitations. - Foam-in-place insulation – This is another type that can be blown into cracks to help block out drafts.
Ventilation in places like your attic will also help with moisture control to aid the effects of your newly installed insulation. Attic vents along the ceiling cavity help establish an airflow without letting the outside elements affect your home.
To learn more about cost-effective insulation and how it can make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient this winter, contact Ernst Heating & Cooling today. We have proudly served the Edwardsville area since 1951.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about insulation and other HVAC topics, visit our blog.
Ernst Heating & Cooling services Hamel, Illinois and the surrounding areas. View our special offers and get started today!