Attics are among the least energy efficient parts of a typical home. They are generally not heated or cooled and often do not have sufficient ventilation or insulation. During colder months, the temperature in your attic will be approximately the same as the outdoor temperature. During the summer months, however, your attic can reach temperatures of 30 to 40 degrees hotter than the outside air.
Without the proper amount of insulation on the attic floor, a process known as heat transfer will cause the heated and cooled air inside the house to escape into the attic. This can result in significantly higher air conditioning and heating costs.
Insulation is relatively inexpensive and easy to install, and having the proper amount of insulation in your attic can save you thousands of dollars over the long term.
There are several types of insulation that can be used to reduce energy costs. Blown insulation is made from small pieces of fiberglass or cellulose and is blown into place using a compressor. Blown insulation is often made from recycled materials, and is fire resistant.
Rolled insulation, also known as batting, is made from fibreglass and is cut into various sized pieces which fit between the attic rafters. This type of insulation has a paper backing which allows it to be stapled into place as needed.
To determine how much insulation is needed in your attic it is necessary to understand R-values. The R-value of insulation is the resistance to temperature change, which is known as the thermal resistance factor.
The U.S. Department of Energy publishes guidelines for recommended R-values for different parts of the country. In general, the colder the climate the higher the R-value and the more insulation needed. For both heating and cooling the goal is to improve energy efficiency by keeping the air inside your home from escaping through small cracks, walls and ceilings. The amount of insulation put in your attic should be the amount needed to reach the recommended R-value for the region of the country where you live.
The map below shows recommended R-values for retrofitting existing wood-frame homes.
Source: www.energystar.gov
Measure the square footage (with X Length) of the attic. Then determine how thick the insulation should be to reach the recommended R-value. This will depend on the type of insulation used. For example, less rolled fibreglass insulation will be needed than blown insulation to reach a certain R-value.
Reaching the recommended R-value will make your home more energy efficiency and thereby reduce monthly energy costs. It will also place less of a demand on your HVAC system which help can prolong the life of your unit and help you avoid heating and A/C repairs.
An energy audit can tell you if you need more insulation in your attic and how much you need. An energy audit is the first step to making your home more energy efficient.
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This winter, as the temperatures reach lows, there are many ways in which it is important to keep your residence warm. Aside from the standard maintenance and repair of your furnace or boiler unit, it is critical to make sure your home boasts the proper insulation in order to maintain a comfortable temperature this time of year. Our Arlington TX heating technicians at Metro Energy Savers can make sure your family is completely comfortable this winter.
Insulation is one of the most important components in keeping your home warm all winter long. Heat can escape through cracks or open spaces in windows and other openings, allowing cool air to enter your home as your warm air makes its way out. This absence of warm air can make your heating system work overtime to warm up your residence, forcing you to pay sky-high utility bills due to the added pressure placed on your system. Your system will be running non-stop to make up for this escaping air, an added expense no homeowner wants to have to deal with. To put a stop to the cold drafts you may feel in your home, the heating technicians at Metro Energy Savers are here to help.
For all your heating needs this winter, Metro Energy Savers in Arlington is the company to count on. For additional information regarding insulation, give us a call at 817-572-8700 or contact us online today.
In summer, keeping your home cool is of the utmost priority. And although it may not seem like it, proper insulation is one of the key components of keeping a home cool, ensuring the comfort of you and your family. Our Arlington TX air conditioning technicians at Metro Energy Savers can make sure that you are doing everything possible to beat the heat during this Texas heatwave, starting with proper insulation.
Much like proper insulation keeps the heat inside your home during the winter months, it can keep cool air indoors during summer. The hot sun’s rays can beat down on your home, warming the inside and forcing your air conditioning system to work overtime to make up for this added warmth. Additional insulation can help block these rays out, ensuring that your air conditioning unit can work minimally to properly cool your home, making a noticeable difference in your monthly utility bill.
With our insulation inspections and installation, we can devise a plan to make sure your home is properly insulated, offering our expert advice to ensure you get the most for your money. When you decide the best plan for you, we will execute this plan in a timely and efficient manner. At Metro Energy Savers, we want you to keep the most air inside your home – and the most money inside your wallet. With any comments, questions, or to schedule an insulation inspection today, feel free to give us a call or visit us online today
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