Insulation is like a blanket for your home. It prevents heat loss and can significantly cut back on your energy consumption. But how do you know whether or not you have enough insulation in your home? Take a look at the five home insulation tips below to figure it out!
5 home insulation tips for St. Louis area homeowners
- Insulate in all the right places. Insulation should be added to any part of your home that borders the outdoors or unconditioned space. The most important places to check for proper insulation are your attic, basement, crawlspace, floors, and exterior walls.
- Add the right amount of R-value. The greater the R-value of your insulation to the previous blog), the better it will contain heat within your home. Use the Department of Energy has information to determine the recommended insulation levels for different parts of your home and add the most possible R-value that will fit the job and your budget.
- Choose the right type of insulation for the job. Insulation comes in a few different varieties, and the type you choose will depend on your budget and where you’re adding the insulation. The most common types of insulation are rolls and batts (typically for wall studs and attic or floor joists), loose-fill (typically for areas that are difficult to insulate), rigid foam (typically for interior and exterior sheathing), and foam-in-place (typically for walls, attic surfaces and under floors)
- Don’t forget your ducts. If you have ductwork in any unconditioned parts of your home, they should be sealed and insulated to prevent energy losses.
- Decide between DIY and professional installation. Some insulation projects, such as certain types of attic insulation, can be taken on as a do-it-yourself project. Other insulation projects, such as exterior walls, basements, and crawlspaces, are often better done by a professional contractor. If you decide to take on any insulation projects on your own, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions very carefully and wear the proper protective gear for the job.
If you have any questions about these home insulation tips, or if you’d like a heating system serviced or installed in your home, contact Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning, your St. Charles furnace installation and repair company. We service the St. Louis area and surrounding towns like Clayton, Des Peres, and St. Peters.
photo credit: Best Practices Research Alliance via photopin cc
