Many homeowners never give their home insulation a second thought; they just assume it’s serving its purpose. However, the quality and type of home insulation you choose can make or break your experience living inside your home.
The goal of home insulation is to reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and cool your house. It does this by limiting the conduction of heat transfer and reducing the movement of air (convection). It also helps create an effective seal to keep warm air from seeping out during the winter and cold air from creeping in during the summer.
When your home is insulated properly, it will feel warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Insulation also helps reduce noise levels, so if you live near a busy road, your insulation may be able to cut down on the sound of traffic and other activities outside your house.
Home insulation can be bought in blanket batts or rolls that are fitted between wall studs and attic rafters or floor joists. They are generally made from fiberglass, although versions containing cotton, mineral wool and even sheep’s wool are available as alternatives. They are relatively inexpensive, and easy to install yourself as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions. You should also check local building codes and fire regulations when working with any form of insulation.
The Importance of Home Insulation
Many homeowners never give their home insulation a second thought; they just assume it’s serving its purpose. However, the quality and type of home insulation you choose can make or break your experience living inside your home.
The goal of home insulation is to reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and cool your house. It does this by limiting the conduction of heat transfer and reducing the movement of air (convection). It also helps create an effective seal to keep warm air from seeping out during the winter and cold air from creeping in during the summer.
When your home is insulated properly, it will feel warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Insulation also helps reduce noise levels, so if you live near a busy road, your insulation may be able to cut down on the sound of traffic and other activities outside your house.
Home insulation can be bought in blanket batts or rolls that are fitted between wall studs and attic rafters or floor joists. They are generally made from fiberglass, although versions containing cotton, mineral wool and even sheep’s wool are available as alternatives. They are relatively inexpensive, and easy to install yourself as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions. You should also check local building codes and fire regulations when working with any form of insulation.