Whether you’re building a new home or purchasing an existing one, insulation is an important part of ensuring you have a safe and comfortable home. But unless you’re a home builder by trade, you probably have a lot of questions that need to be answered before you can accurately assess where your home is sufficiently insulated. In this guide to insulate a house, we will help answer all of your questions so you can be sure you have a well-insulated home.
Read on for information on the different types of insulation available, whether you should insulate your home yourself or call a professional, and what kind of rebates you may be eligible for by updating your insulation. So whether you’re just starting to consider insulating your home or ready to take the plunge, this guide is for you!
What is the Most Efficient Way to Insulate a House?
The most efficient way to insulate a house is to add insulation to the areas that are most vulnerable to heat loss, including the attic, exterior walls, and floors.
Attic insulation is the most effective at preventing heat loss, as it prevents heat from escaping through the roof. Wall insulation also prevents heat loss, as it prevents heat from escaping and air leakage through the walls. Floor insulation is less effective at preventing heat loss but still helps keep the house warm.
Adding insulation to the attic, walls, and floors will help to keep the house warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Is it Worth it to Insulate Your House?
Like most people, you probably don’t think much about your home’s insulation on a daily basis. We don’t see it every day, so we take for granted this feature that is vital in protecting our homes from the elements and keeping our energy bills low.
If your home’s insulation is more than ten years old, it’s probably time to consider adding new insulation or replacing old insulation. The benefits of doing so are numerous.
- Insulation helps to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
- It helps to reduce noise from outside sources.
- It can lower your heating and cooling costs by up to 30%.
- It increases the value of your home.
- Home insulation helps to protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
So if you’re thinking about adding or replacing home insulation, the benefits are worth considering.
What Type of Insulation Is Best For My Home?
Each type of home insulation has its own set of benefits, and each will be best for different parts of the home depending on where you live. Your budget and where you want to place the insulation will also help determine the type of insulation materials you choose.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation is made from polyurethane and is sprayed into wall cavities or the ceiling of a room. One main benefit of spray foam insulation is that it can expand to fill any cracks or gaps, creating an air sealing effect that helps keep heat in and cold out. Spray foam insulation can also help reduce noise levels and prevent mold growth.
And because it is applied as a liquid, it can be easier to install than other types of insulation. Spray foam insulation may be the right choice if you’re looking for efficient and effective insulation material. Spray foam insulation needs to be installed by a professional, though, because it is a chemical and can be dangerous if it isn’t handled properly.
Fiberglass Insulation
Among the most popular insulation materials on the market, fiberglass has a lot to offer homeowners when it comes to energy efficiency and cost savings. Fiberglass is made from tiny glass fibers spun into a flexible, mat-like material. It is available in both rolls and batts and can be used to insulate walls, floors, ceilings, and attics.
One of the main advantages of fiberglass insulation is that it is highly efficient at slowing heat flow. This means that it can help to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer, reducing your energy costs. Fiberglass insulation is also relatively inexpensive and easy to install, making it a popular choice for DIYers. It is important to note that fiberglass can irritate the skin, so if you plan to install it yourself, take precautions when handling it. Overall, fiberglass insulation is an effective and affordable option for improving your home’s energy efficiency.
Cellulose Insulation
Cellulose insulation is manufactured from recycled paper products. It is treated with fire retardants and chemical binders to make it resistant to mold, insects, and rodents. Cellulose insulation has a high R-value, meaning it effectively keeps the heat in or out of space. It is also environmentally friendly, as it is made from recycled materials. Because of these benefits, cellulose insulation is a popular choice for homes and businesses.
Cellulose insulation can settle over time, so it may need to be added to or replaced more often than other types of insulation.
Loose-Fill Insulation
Loose-fill insulation is one of the most popular types on the market today. Loose-fill insulation is made from various materials, including fiberglass, cellulose, and rock wool, and can be easily added to any home. One of the main benefits of loose-fill insulation is that it can be quickly installed without removing existing walls or gutters. In addition, loose-fill insulation provides excellent coverage and can be used in hard-to-reach areas. It is a perfect choice for both new construction and retrofit projects.
Overall, spray foam insulation is the best type of insulation for most homes. It’s durable, long-lasting, and effective.
Can You Insulate an Existing Home?
Yes, you can insulate an existing home. Older homes were built without insulation or with much less insulation than is standard today. As a result, they can be drafty and expensive to heat and cool. Adding to your existing insulation is one way to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
The best choice for updating the insulation in an existing home will depend on various factors, including climate, budget, and the type of construction. For example, fiberglass batts are popular for attics, while spray foam is often used in hard-to-reach places like crawl spaces. No matter what type of insulation you choose, adding it to your home can help to reduce your energy bills and make your home more comfortable year-round.
How Do You Insulate a House From the Inside?
There are several ways to insulate a home from the inside. One common method is to add insulation material to the walls. Installing insulation inside the walls is done by using batts or blanket insulation between the studs or blowing insulation into the walls. If you plan to knock out walls or replace drywall in an existing home, this is also a great time to upgrade the insulation.
Another common method is to add insulation to the attic. This can be done by installing rolls of insulation between the joists or by blowing insulation into the attic space. If you’re unsure how to install insulation in your home, it’s important to contact a professional. Our professional team can help ensure it’s installed safely and correctly.
Can I Get Rebates for Insulating My House?
If you’re looking for big savings, you may consider taking advantage of the rebates offered by Mass Save. You may qualify for rebates offered by Mass Save, including a 75-100% rebate on insulation and no-cost air-sealing. You must meet certain income prerequisites and have an energy assessment done by a qualified contractor. Our team at Wattson Home Solutions provides free energy assessments, which is the first step in qualifying for Mass Save Rebates. Contact our office and schedule yours today. You will be saving on your heating and cooling bills in no time!
