A well-insulated home is essential for both comfort and energy-efficiency. In this article, the heating and cooling experts from the Air Treatment Company will cover everything you need to know about insulation: including what it is, how to test your home’s insulation levels, and how to add more if needed.
What is insulation?
Insulation is a special type of filling material used in homes and buildings to prevent heat transfer with outside air. Insulation keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer – all while minimizing the workload on your HVAC system. There are several types of insulation available, including:
- Batts. Pre-cut pieces of insulation that are generally installed between wall studs.
- Rolls. Pre-cut in width, but come in long lengths to cover areas such as floors and crawl spaces.
- Blow-in insulation. Loose insulation that can be sprayed into hard-to-reach areas with a specialized air blower.
How to test home insulation
Unless your home was recently built or renovated, it is very likely that your insulation levels do not meet modern-day standards. The best, most accurate way to test your home’s insulation is through a professional energy audit, however, there are ways to do it yourself. Click here to learn more about DIY insulation testing.
How to add insulation:
If you find that your home is not adequately insulated, here is what you’ll need to do to fix the problem:
- Identify weak areas. Common weak spots include walls, attics, and basements.
- Determine your R-value. Insulation is measured by R-value, which calculates its ability to resist heat transfer. You can find the recommended R-value for your area by checking this map.
- Choose your insulation type. Ask an associate at your local hardware store if you are unsure what type of insulation you need.
- Install the insulation. Installation could be tricky depending on the area of your home. Professional assistance may be required.
Air Treatment Company offers home heating and cooling services to residents throughout Fairfax County, Virginia. Our NATE-certified technicians are trained to repair and install any make or model of HVAC system. Contact us online to learn more, or call (703) 270-0881.