When it comes to home insulation needs, there are so many places in your home that are easily ignored. So if you want to ensure maximum energy efficiency in your home, you should know the gaps that need to be plugged in. I will be explaining some of these places and providing you with a few tips so that you can save more in the long term while enjoying a more comfortable home interior.
Where should you Install Insulation?
As a homeowner, you should always know that most of the heat loss takes place through your home’s roof. The reason can be traced back to your science classes where you were taught that hot air rises and cool air settles down. So you should begin by ensuring that your attic is properly insulated. If it is an unfinished attic, the insulation must be installed on the attic floor and if you are using it as a living space, the insulation should be installed between the rafters.
It is the older homes that will lack insulation in the attic. Most of the temperature exchange between your home and the outer air takes place through the attic. This means that your heating and cooling systems will have to work harder to maintain the indoor temperature.
The attic should be evaluated by a professional home insulation expert. The insulating material should be checked for thickness, proper installation, and gaps. The insulation will have a vapour barrier and it should always face toward the living space. If it is not properly positioned, it will be the insulation material that will trap all the moisture which could gradually damage it.
While it is recommended to seal all the vents and ducts in your home, when it comes to insulating attics, it is important to leave some ventilation path between the building exterior and the insulation. The gable, ridge, or soffit vents should never be blocked in the roof, else you will be creating another big problem – moisture. Besides, thermal insulation shouldn’t be installed around old wiring. I will recommend that the wiring must be checked by a qualified electrician to ensure that the insulation meets the code. You have to allow proper heat dissipation from all the electrical conductors. If not, there is a potential fire hazard.
Doors and Windows
This one is easy – most people know how important it is to seal their doors and windows. It is still surprising to me that most homes will not have properly sealed doors and windows. Get your home evaluated by an expert and check if you need to replace those old doors and windows replaced by new and energy-star-rated high-insulation materials. If you don’t seal them properly, you will continue losing a significant percentage of energy through them.
Types of Insulation Materials
Once you have determined the places that need the “plugging”, you should discuss the type of insulating material with your insulation expert. Fibreglass, cellulose, and rock wool are the three most popular materials which are currently used in different types of homes.
Sealing all Vents
Energy Star claims that almost 20% of heat is lost through the vents and ducts because of leakage or improperly sealed connections. So make sure that all the relevant vents and ducts are sealed properly. At the same time care should be taken when insulating the vents and ducts in the attic.
