There are all kinds of tips out there to help homeowners save money, but the best money-saving tips are those that offer additional benefits, like improved home comfort and reduced energy waste. One of the best things homeowners can do to save money and enjoy additional benefits is insulate their homes.
Home insulation is crucial when it comes to improving the performance and efficiency of HVAC systems and reducing moisture intrusion during the fall and winter months. If you’re wondering how home insulation can help cut your household costs, keep reading to learn more.
How does insulation save money?
A lot of homeowners don’t realize that insulation can contribute to cost savings, but the reality is that effective home insulation can actually make a huge difference when it comes to your household expenses. Insulation is designed to regulate your indoor temperature by blocking airflow from outside. During the summer months, effective insulation blocks thermal heat transfer to keep indoor air cool. In the winter months, meanwhile, insulation blocks drafts and keeps warm air inside.
Keeping indoor temperatures consistent is key when it comes to minimizing energy waste when using heating and cooling systems. The more effective your insulation is, the easier it is to maintain the desired temperature in your home. By keeping indoor temperatures steady, insulation reduces the need for constant heating and cooling cycles. The more an HVAC system turns on and off, the more energy it requires to operate. This constant cycling can lead to significant energy waste over time that seriously drives up costs for homeowners.
Good insulation minimizes waste by supporting the effective operation of home HVAC systems, which can translate to major cost savings for homeowners. In fact, many homeowners experience energy savings of 15 percent or more after investing in insulation upgrades. This kind of reduction in energy use can save homeowners hundreds of dollars a year. Over time, the money saved with insulation installation can exceed the cost of insulation upgrades. Even though insulation can be a big investment for homeowners, it can really pay off over time.
Another way in which home insulation can benefit homeowners is by increasing the value of a home. Insulation upgrades can contribute to an average home value increase of around $1,500. Considering the fact that insulation upgrades typically cost between $1,000 and $2,000, and taking into account the energy-saving benefits of insulation upgrades, the cost of upgrading insulation can be well worth the cost and offer returns that are greater than the upfront investment.
Upgrade your home insulation
For quality home insulation to cut your energy costs and keep your home as comfortable as possible throughout the year, reach out to Ace Insulation Inc. Our locally owned and operated business has been providing customers with comprehensive insulation services to keep their homes comfortable, energy efficient and resilient to the elements. We offer a variety of insulation options, including cellulose, fiberglass, blown-in insulation and more so you can get the material and performance that’s perfect for your needs. Find out more about our services by giving our team a call today.
Insulation installation is a key phase in the home construction process, but homes that were built decades ago often lack the kind of comprehensive insulation modern homes enjoy. Retrofitting older homes with new insulation can be a costly process, so many homeowners are hesitant to invest in this kind of project. For homeowners who live in warm climates, insulation might not seem very important. However, the reality is that insulation is essential no matter what the weather is like in your area.
The importance of home insulation
You might not spend much time thinking about your home’s insulation, but it’s essential when it comes to HVAC performance, energy efficiency and even the structural integrity of your home. Whether your home has outdated insulation, or it never had comprehensive insulation to begin with, it’s worth it to consider some of the benefits of getting insulation installation or upgrades. Here are a few of the reasons why home insulation is so important:
Energy efficiency: One of the primary reasons why home insulation is so beneficial is because it boosts energy efficiency. Insulation blocks airflow between the inside and outside of your home to prevent temperature fluctuations. During the winter, insulation blocks drafts and keeps indoor air warm. In the summer, insulation prevents cool air from escaping and keeps your home comfortable when it gets hot outside. Effective insulation can make a huge difference in the energy efficiency of your home, so it can have a major impact on monthly energy costs.
Reduced moisture: One of the most common weather-related problems homeowners experience is mold and mildew development due to elevated moisture levels. Thankfully, effective insulation can cut down on moisture significantly and reduce the risk of mold and mildew growing in attics and inside walls. This is essential to the quality of your indoor air and to the preservation of your home’s structural integrity, which can be threatened by water damage and excessive moisture.
Noise reduction: Another benefit of home insulation installation is that it can minimize noise and help you enjoy a quieter home environment. Insulation blocks out street noise and other outdoor noise so you don’t have to deal with disruptions when you’re trying to relax at home.
Home value boost: The initial cost of insulation installation can make homeowners hesitant to invest in these services, but the long-term benefits are well worth the upfront cost. Installing new insulation can increase home value by hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the details and scope of the project, so the costs of installation are often offset completely by the boost in home value.
Home insulation installation
At Ace Insulation Inc., we know how important home insulation is, and we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality insulation services for our customers. We’re a locally owned and operated business with years of experience providing insulation installation services. Whether you need insulation for an older home or you’re looking for help installing insulation for new construction, our team is here to help. Give us a call today to get started with a consultation and a quote.
Whether you live in a noisy neighborhood or want to train a herd of elephants in the privacy of your own home, soundproofing is a must. The best way to reduce noise is to use insulation as soundproofing in your Northern California home. Insulation is made of porous materials that can trap heat, preventing it from penetrating into (or out of) your walls. However, it can also muffle noise. Here are some of the best insulation choices for soundproofing purposes:
Batt: Batt insulation comes in rolls or “blankets.” It’s usually made of fiberglass, which is stiff and fire resistant. Since it comes in rolls, it’s easy to cut it down to the size you need without too much effort. If you’re cutting more unusual shapes, however, it may be more time-consuming than if you were only creating thin rectangles. Batt insulation comes in a number of different thicknesses, so you can use it no matter how small the space between your walls may be.
Foam spray: Spray foam insulation is one of the easiest types to install. All your insulation contractor has to do is spray the foam in the wall spaces, then scrape off any excess. This is ideal when your home is full of pipes, cables and other obstructions. Unlike with batt insulation, there’s no cutting involved. However, it does require a professional for installation—both batt and spray foam insulation can be hazardous to your health unless you wear the proper safety gear.
Insulation boards and panels: These boards and panels are usually made of Styrofoam or a similar material, and are often installed on exterior walls. However, they can be installed on interior walls as well. They’re suitable for floors, ceilings, basement ceilings and even attics, as well as your walls. To be in compliance with most fire codes, they must be covered with gypsum board. Ask your insulation contractors for more information about whether this is the right option for your home or commercial building.
Blown: Finally, blown insulation can also help soundproof your home. It’s similar to spray foam insulation, but it has a looser, less connected structure that works well for irregularly-shaped areas. This can be used in walls as well as floors. It’s made from fiberglass, cellulose or mineral rock left in small chunks. This helps it fill oddly shaped spaces.
Depending on your insulation goals, one of these types of insulation may be much better for your needs. Chances are you’ll need insulation to prevent heat transfer in your building, which means that it’s smart to choose an insulation type that meets both requirements.
If you’re not sure what kind of insulation to choose for soundproofing, talk to one of the friendly contractors at Ace Insulation Inc. Our team is well versed in noise-reducing insulation of all kinds, and we understand the different microclimates of Northern California and Nevada. Together, we can assess your building and your needs to find the right kind of insulation for you. Reach out today to schedule a consultation.
If you own a home or commercial property, you probably already know the importance of insulation. Not only does good insulation save you a bundle on your energy bill, but it also helps soundproof your home and can even keep insects and critters from making their way inside your building. Radiant barrier insulation is a smart choice in Northern California. Here’s an overview of what it is and why it will be great for you.
What is radiant barrier insulation?
A radiant barrier is anything that can reflect heat back to the source. If you put a radiant barrier between a heat source and an empty space, like your attic, you can deflect the heat coming from outside and enjoy a much cooler interior.
Radiant barriers are layers of metallic foil that can be used in addition to other forms of insulation. They’ll help reflect heat from the sun back to the exterior of your home or commercial building.
How does radiant barrier insulation work?
To understand how radiant barrier insulation works, you’ll need to think back to your fifth grade science class. There are three different kinds of heat transfer: conduction, convection and radiation.
Conduction occurs when there’s direct contact between the heat source and the material, like putting a pan on a gas or electric burner, or curling your hair with a curling iron. Convection heating occurs with air movement—for example, convection ovens constantly circulate hot air for a more even heating experience. It’s the same as if you used space heaters to heat a room: the warm air rises so the heater can cool the colder air at the bottom of the room, eventually creating an even heating effect.
Radiant heat transfer is different. It’s caused by electromagnetic radiation, which causes the same sensation as when you can feel the warm sun on your face—even though it’s not touching you, and the air is completely still. Radiant heat transfer barriers can be as simple as a reflective windshield screen in the summertime, or a thermal coffee cup.
Radiant barriers require some air space on at least one side of the insulation (your thermal coffee cup has empty space between the layers, and so does your attic). If it’s used between two solid materials, the heat will just move through the layers. When you use it with dead air on one side, only 4 percent of the heat gets through. The rest of it is reflected back.
Radiant barrier insulation has little to no R-value on its own—it requires appropriate installation and dead air space on one side to work properly. However, if it’s installed properly by a reputable company, it can help significantly improve your interior temperature control and reduce your energy bills.
To learn more about whether radiant barrier insulation would be great for your Northern California business, get in touch with the experts at Ace Insulation Inc. today. We’re happy to help you make the best, most cost-effective selections for your specific insulation needs.
Whether you’re building a brand-new home in Northern California or you need to install new insulation in your current home, you’ll need to decide what type of insulation material is best for your needs. While fiberglass has been the standard for decades, spray foam is gaining in popularity as a highly effective thermal barrier. Read on to gain a basic understanding of the differences of fiberglass insulation vs. foam insulation and discover which material you should use for your home.
What are the differences between the materials?
Fiberglass and spray foam insulation are very different materials. Fiberglass insulation is composed of delicate fibers of recycled materials, including melted glass. The fibers are held together with an adhesive backing, like aluminum foil or paper, that resists moisture and vapor. It comes in either batt form, which almost looks like a block of insulation, or loose fill.
Spray foam insulation, on the other hand, is a liquid chemical that comes out of a spray can. It expands immediately as it’s applied, forming an airtight seal over cracks and any other voids. It creates both a thermal and vapor barrier all at once.
Which option resists airflow the best?
An insulation’s airflow resistance is measured in terms of its R-value. The higher the R-value, the better the material is at keeping cold and hot air from seeping into your home. In general, spray foam has a higher R-value when compared to fiberglass insulation. Closed cell spray foam insulation is a particularly effective thermal barrier, with R-values reaching up to 7.0.
Fiberglass insulation can have a high R-value as well when installed by a professional technician. High-density fiberglass options have R-values as high as 4.3, which is generally enough to keep a home in Northern California comfortable during every season. You can also bolster your insulation by having the fiberglass batts stacked on top of each other, whereas you are limited in the number of spray foam layers you can apply in one area.
Which option resists moisture the best?
Moisture resistance is one area where fiberglass and spray foam perform equally well. Either option will give you a good moisture barrier, which is especially important in an area like an attic. Luckily, you won’t see mold or mildew growing on either type of insulation.
Which option is easiest to install?
The process of installation is one of the key differences between fiberglass insulation vs. foam insulation. If you have a wide-open attic with no obstructions, fiberglass batts are the easiest and the cheapest option. For attics with multiple obstructions, spray foam can be installed quickly, but it’s also more expensive.
Knowing the differences between fiberglass insulation vs. foam insulation can help you select the best option for your Northern California home. No matter which option you choose, professional installation by an experienced technician ensures that your property is completely sealed from the air outside. Contact Ace Insulation Inc. today to learn more about the differences between these materials and how we can help you keep your home comfortably insulated all year long.
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