For most homeowners, judging your home’s efficiency is simple: does your home keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer, without driving you to bankruptcy when the utility bill comes in the mail? This might seem like a good standard to gauge your home by, but it’s hardly one that’s going to give you any data in terms of how well your home is performing by modern efficiency standards!
Today, home efficiency actually has a standard and a scale—it’s called an R-value. In simplest terms, an R-value is a measurement of your home’s ability to retain forced air temperatures, via its insulation, windows, roofing and other construction components. The higher the R-value your home has, the better of a job it’s going to do in insulating you against exterior temperatures and the less money you’ll spend to achieve these results!
Now, while there are many components that contribute to a home’s overall R-value, this number is largely dictated by the unseen insulation that’s protecting you. Depending on what’s between your walls and packed into your attic, you could be seeing your home’s R-value raise or lower based on your insulation in Petaluma, CA. But just because you know what type of insulation you might have in your home, doesn’t mean you know if it’s doing its job in keeping your R-value high.
In order to determine if your insulation in Petaluma, CA is keeping forced air temperatures steady in your home, you’ll need to have the R-value of your home measured by a professional—then, you’ll need it broken down to determine what your insulation’s contribution is. Often, this is done by heat mapping your home, to figure out where transference is occurring. And, once the R-value of your home is determine and juxtaposed with the heat map, conclusions can be made about the effectiveness of your insulation in a viable way!
If your home’s insulation is performing at respected levels, it can ensure the overall R-value of your home remains high—or, if your home’s R-value is lacking while insulation is performing well, it could indicate fault elsewhere, such as with outdated windows. If your insulation is the problem, however, it could signal that it’s time to replace or reassess your insulation situation. Generally, this is as easy as having new insulation blown in or, in more dramatic cases, it could mean replacing downtrodden existing installations with a more viable, efficient medium.
If you’re concerned about your home’s R-value or want to determine if your insulation is helping to get the job done to its fullest abilities, consider calling an expert at Ace Insulation Inc. today to have your home’s R-value assessed!
We’ll help you achieve optimal efficiency in your home in regards to your insulation and can help you to save big bucks on monthly utility costs by pinpointing and eliminating superfluous costs that might be the product of poor insulation in Petaluma, CA.
There are many different decisions that come into play when completing a construction or remodeling project for your home or business. One of the most important choices you will have to make is what type of insulation to install. Insulation is the padding between a structure’s walls that stops the transfer of air from the inside to the outside, and vice versa. This important part of your property helps regulate temperature and energy efficiency.
While there are several popular forms of insulation, each type offers unique benefits. Whether you’re looking for fiberglass or spray foam insulation in Petaluma, CA, it is important to know the differences between various types so that you can make the right choice for your property.
Spray foam insulation
Spray foam insulation in Petaluma, CA is a relatively new type of material that can be used as a primary or supportive method of insulation for a property. The insulation process starts with the foam being sprayed onto open walls and ceilings. There, the polyurethane material expands, making an air-tight and sometimes moisture-tight seal. This type of material can be applied in small areas around windows and door frames, or throughout the interior of every wall and ceiling in a building. For larger projects, professional help is essential in correctly installing the insulation.
Spray foams can be expensive when compared to other kinds of insulation, and their installation can be messy or difficult if you try to do it yourself. However, this type of foam is one of the best choices if you are looking for an energy efficient and long-lasting insulation option. Because it expands once it touches a surface, the foam is able to fill corners and cracks that other insulation cannot reach. This means, when properly installed, it offers more protection against air leaks.
Fiberglass insulation
Fiberglass insulation is a more traditional option for property owners. Most people are familiar with this type of insulation, and it is especially common in residential properties. Fiberglass contains many glass fibers and is available in blankets or rolls that can be placed into new construction and attics. During its installation, the insulation is carefully cut and fitted to the frame of a building, and provides a loose fit into its structure.
Fiberglass is one of the most affordable types of insulation, and is comparatively easy to install. Also, many people choose this type of insulation because they are most familiar with it, and have used it previously. However, there can be certain drawbacks to fiberglass insulation. In some cases, fiberglass is not as effective as spray foam at preventing leaks in the flow of air in and out of your home. Also, this type of insulation disintegrates at a faster rate after installation than polyurethane spray foam.
If you are working on a construction or remodeling project and need to decide which type of insulation is best for your property, it is wise to consult a professional for guidance. For more information on insulation installation, please call the professionals at Ace Insulation Inc today.
Almost everyone has peered into an attic and seen the soft, foamy insulation that pads the structure of a home. Fewer people know exactly how important that insulation is for maintaining an efficient household. Insulation comes in many different varieties and can have a major impact on a family’s comfort levels, budget and carbon footprint. When you build or renovate a home with proper insulation in Petaluma, CA, you’re making an investment into a piece of your property that will benefit you for years to come.
The following are five advantages of having a well insulated home:
- Reduced energy bills: A poorly insulated home can cause serious spikes in your energy bill. In fact, a home that doesn’t have enough insulation—or whose insulation isn’t correctly installed—can lose up to 30 percent of its energy through leaky spots near windows, doors, the attic or a basement. When air escapes, your heating and cooling system has to work increasingly hard to maintain the desired temperature. This costly process can easily be avoided by ensuring your home is properly insulated.
- Muted household sounds: Even the largest house can feel small when sounds in other rooms travel through the walls. Insulation absorbs the waves from sounds throughout your home and diminishes overall noise. Whether it’s a conversation happening downstairs or a loud TV in the next room, you will be relieved to have insulation help you maintain a quiet household.
- Increased property value: It’s no secret that a house is a major investment. Even if, at the time of your construction or remodeling project, you don’t think you’ll ever want to sell your home, it’s wise to protect this major asset by installing insulation correctly. Insulation is something that potential buyers look for and will ask about in a home they are considering. Thinking ahead and taking measures to properly insulate your home could reduce the time your house spends on the market and increase its resale value, should you decide to list it.
- Reduced environmental impact: Because a home with correctly installed insulation uses less energy, it is inherently better for the environment and reduces the amount of chemicals that are released into the air. Additionally, certain types of insulation use foams manufactured with a reduced environmental impact. If you’re concerned about having an eco-friendly home, ask your insulation installers about which option is best for your needs.
- Regulated temperatures: Insulation is what keeps your home at a comfortable temperature. In the winter, insulation keeps heat in and the cold out so your home stays warm. In the summer, it traps cold air to keep you cool. By correctly insulating your home, you can trust that your HVAC system will easily maintain the temperature you select on your thermostat.
The many benefits of proper insulation make it a worthy investment that can save you money, energy and time for years. When constructing or remodeling a home, consult a reputable installer to guide you through the insulation process and explain your options. If you would like to know more about how quality insulation in Petaluma, CA can benefit your home, consult the skilled professionals at Ace Insulation Inc today.
