Whether you realize it or not, the air that is circulated throughout your home has several escape routes. The main culprits of air leaks are windows, doors, attics and basements. For the small gaps around windows and doors, proper weather stripping and caulking can seal the openings and prevent air from escaping. However, it is a little trickier to stop air leaks in your attic.
Heat can move through interior walls and ceilings, and it will naturally flow from warmer to cooler areas. In the cold months, when your attic is a much lower temperature than the rest of the house, heat will move into that space, causing your home to lose warmth. Similarly, in the summer season, the hot outdoor air will flow from your attic into your home. In both scenarios, your HVAC unit will have to work harder to heat or cool the home to your temperature setting.
Attic insulation is the most effective way to prevent this heat movement, “by providing an effective resistance to the flow of heat” (Energy.gov). Although, many homes, especially older homes, are under-insulated or have never been insulated at all. If this is the case in your home, attic insulation may be right for you.
In this post, we are diving into the facts, benefits, and installation process of attic insulation to help you decide if this service is a worthwhile investment in your home.
WHAT IS ATTIC INSULATION?
There are several types of attic insulation materials, and each one prevents heat flow differently. Energy.gov explains that bulky fiber materials resist heat flow, foam boards trap the heat in their cells, and reflective foils reflect heat away from their surface. One of the most commonly used types of fiber insulation is fiberglass, which is fluffy and kind of resembles cotton candy.
The effectiveness of the insulation you choose will depend on its thermal resistance or R-value, its thickness, where and how it is installed, and the climate where you live (Energy.gov).
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
The main goal of attic insulation is to prevent air leaks and the unwanted loss or gain of heat in your home. However, along with accomplishing this goal, attic insulation has many other benefits.
1. Energy Efficiency
Since heat flow is reduced by insulation, the temperature in your home will remain more stable. In turn, this reduces the strain on your heating and cooling unit to continuously replace or remove the heat in your home. With your system working less, you will be saving a significant amount on your energy bills.
2. Noise Reduction
Insulation acts as an additional barrier between your home and the outdoors. Therefore, noises from weather, such as wind and rain, will be decreased.
3. Improve Indoor Air Quality
The barrier that insulation creates is also effective at blocking out pollen and other air pollutants. The airtight seal is able to block these from entering your home, which will help reduce allergens and keep your indoor air cleaner.
4. Prevent Moisture Damage
With the airtight seal in place, moisture from water vapor will be blocked from seeping into your home. This will prevent mold and mildew from growing and spreading, especially in high-humidity climates.
5. Improve Fire Resistance
Another benefit of preventing air flow is fire resistance. A fire needs oxygen in order to survive and spread, so if air is sealed off from the location of the fire, the flames will likely be contained.
WHAT IS THE INSTALLATION PROCESS?
At Eagle Air, we use a process called blown-in insulation. This installation method takes a fraction of the time that traditional insulation takes, typically only a few hours. The insulation will be blown into your attic using a hose. Blown-in insulation is moisture-resistant, and chemical and additive-free, therefore it will not irritate allergies.
Our experts at Eagle Air will first determine which type of insulation is the right choice for your home and how much you will need. We then use specialized equipment to complete the installation process.
If you have any questions about the possible benefits of attic insulation in your home, our team is happy to answer them. We can also provide a consultation and estimate before you make your decision.
Are you ready to improve your home’s overall comfort?
Contact us today at 925-443-2665, or visit our website for more information.
