One aspect of home renovation/remodeling sometimes overlooked is insulation; new insulation as well as upkeep of old. Proper insulation plays a vital role in helping to efficiently maintain a comfortable, conditioned temperature inside the house. It also helps cuts down on noise coming from outside the home as well as other areas of the house. Reducing distractions and making the home seem more comfortable and relaxing.

Poor insulation produces uncomfortable, fluctuating indoor temperatures, and also increases utility costs. In fact, insulation so affects energy usage that replacing improper insulation with the correct type and amount of insulation can reduce energy bills by as much as 50-percent!

While in more recent years much attention has been given to proper insulation during house construction, many dwellings built before the 1970s remain under-insulated. Check local building codes as to minimum insulation requirements for each area of your home. Levels vary from state to state, depending on climate conditions.

Determining Insulation Needs

Depending upon where you reside, there are “rules of thumb” to consider when insulating a dwelling; as well as different insulation needs of specific areas of that dwelling. Proper insulation of attics, walls, and floors are key factors.

When selecting insulation, judge by its R-value, not its thickness. Insulation’s R-value is rated according to its ability to resist heat flow per inch-thickness of the insulation. You need to calculate the R-rating times the thickness of the insulation for proper selection.

Cold climates will require insulation with a higher R-value rating than milder climates. Good options for attic insulation might be 13-inch thick batts or blankets with an R-3.8 rating per inch; or 17-inches of (blown) loose fiberglass with a rating of at least 2.9 per inch. While loose-fill provides better coverage than batts without allowing heat loss through framing, that type installation will require a contractor.

Other factors such as initial expense and cost of insulation grade verses cost of energy in a particular area should also be considered when deciding which grade of insulation will be the most economical choice in the long run.

Note: R-value measures the thermal resistance to heat flow through the material. Therefore, In homes where air leakage is the main problem and heat is lost through convection – other renovation measures should be taken in addition to insulation efforts to fortify the home. Especially since air leakage can account for as much as 40-percent of the total energy lost by a home.

Some utility providers offer free or low-cost energy audits to determine how energy-efficient your home is. And if there is notable energy loss, the main source of the problem is highlighted; poor insulation or convection.

Insulation Considerations

• Ventilation plays an important role in providing moisture control and reducing summer cooling bills.
• Single-level homes have different insulation needs than multi-level.
• Ceiling height can affect insulation needs. As well as main type of energy used; electrical, gas, or propane.
• Make sure attic vents are installed along the entire ceiling cavity. This will help ensure proper airflow from the soffit to the attic; making your home more energy efficient, and the internal climate more comfortable.
• Proper attic insulation can save you money and make your home more comfortable year round.
• Recessed light fixtures can increase heat loss.
• Always wear the proper protective gear when installing insulation; including gloves, mask, and safety goggles.

Although installing insulation can run into a considerable amount of money, you may find it well worth the investment. Proper insulation can eliminate hot/cold spots in your home, omit drafts, control moisture problems, and improve indoor air quality (IAQ). It can also pay for itself in monthly energy cost savings.

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The Comprehensive Guide to Home Renovations