Do you Know how Insulation Works in your Home?

Did you know, The Department of Energy recommends that a home’s attic insulation should provide between a R-38 and R-49 value? It’s true! (The “R” stands for resistance to heat flow in case you were wondering.) Without knowing the science behind insulation, you may suffer in a home that is under insulated, causing you home discomfort. But have no fear, this blog will give you an inside look of what our Dr. Energy Saver of CT experts have to say about understanding insulation in order to have a comfortable home!

Proper Insulation Works in Two Ways

                                                              1.Reduces heat loss in cold weather

                                                              2.Reduces heat gain in hot weather

Insulation is installed in a home to limit heat transfer. This means preventing the air you pay to heat from escaping during the winter and preventing hot, humid air from the outside from entering the home in the summer.

The Effects Insulation has on your Home

Listed below are some negative consequences that happen to a home that has poor working insulation…

• Voids: Voids are areas of missing insulation. These can happen as a product of improper installation or be required by code. For example, an insulation void is required around a recessed "can" light that is not rated for insulation contact. Whatever the reason, insulation voids allow heat transfer by convection and radiation. Research has shown that just a 4% void in fiberglass batt insulation can result in a 50% reduction in insulation effectiveness. WOW!

• Compression: Compression happens when fiberglass batt insulation is pushed down, which eliminates many of the tiny trapped air pockets that provide insulation value.

• Air movement: Air passing through insulation diminishes insulation effectiveness because it deposits dirt in the air pockets of the insulation, reducing its ability to resist convective heat loss. To effectively slow heat transfer, the air pockets in insulation must be clean. This is why air sealing is essential before adding insulation.

• Moisture: When insulation is exposed to moisture, R-value is decreased because the air pockets that are supposed to provide resistance to heat transfer are now filled with water!

Now that you know how insulation should NOT work, check out this visual diagram to see how proper insulation in a home should work! This in-depth diagram shows some of our Dr. Energy Saver of Connecticut attic insulation and products with full description! 

All of this information got you excited for a properly insulated attic? Want to enjoy a comfortable home soon? Get the right insulation for your home and visit our website: www.ctdrenergysaver.com or call us at 1-800-328-1081 for your FREE estimate!