Your home’s HVAC unit is not an isolated system. It relies on several integral parts of your home in order to function at optimal levels. One of these systems is your home’s insulation. Insulation protects your home from heat loss or gains saving you as much as 35% or more in heating and cooling costs. Depending on your home’s construction, you may have one of the several insulation types that are common among residential homes. Faulty or old insulation may be one of the reasons why your electric bills might be climbing. Let’s explore your options when it comes to insulation and the right type for your home.
Insulation Types: Loose Fill
Let’s start with the superstar of insulation types: loose fill. By far the most popular insulation type, loose fill insulation is shredded cellulose that comes from the cell wall of plants. Most commercially available loose fill is made from cotton and treated with borates to protect against fire, mold, and vermin. Installation of loose fill insulation is done using a blowing machine and works best when used to insulate wall cavities and attics.
Insulation Types: Batt Insulation
The most cost-effective of our insulation types list is called batt insulation. Although not as easy to maneuver as loose fill, batt insulation can be cut into smaller pieces to fit custom sizes. A batt piece comes in the form of fiberglass and consists of a sheet of fibers. They are used in attics, walls, and crawlspaces and are excellent at insulating energy from passing through walls, ceilings, and floors. Although they can be cut into any size, the most common sizes are 2×4 and 2×6.
Insulation Types: Spray Foam
The last option on our insulation types list is more of a supplement to the previous two. Spray foam insulation is very popular for filling in small spaces that the previous two types can’t easily cover. It makes a great follow-up over time as you become familiar with your home’s various nooks and crannies that the builders might have missed. It is not, however, cost-effective to use as standalone insulation by itself.
Are you ready to talk to a trusted local Sarasota HVAC professional about your home’s insulation needs? Call Modern Air and Refrigeration’s 24/7 line at (941) 727-0330 or send us a quick message.