Knowing How Your Energy Efficient Insulation Works in Your Syracuse Home

In order to keep costs down and to keep the temperatures in your Syracuse home from being too hot or too cold, it is important to have adequate energy efficient insulation. Four components contribute to your household’s energy efficiency and they are:

1) The amount of ventilation that is present, 2) the moisture control that is evident, 3) the insulation, and 4) air sealing. Make certain that yours is in proper balance to have the most comfortable and cost effective system.

The term ventilation refers to the movement of air through the home. While it is not a good idea to have cracks which allow cold air to seep in during the winter or heat in the summer, there needs to be adequate air movement in order to eliminate the accumulation of pollutants or stale air. This can be achieved by using exhaust fans, as are often present in bathrooms or kitchen areas. Vents and duct-work can also aid in proper ventilation.

Moisture control can be achieved by ventilation systems, as well. While some moisture is necessary in an environment, too much moisture, as in damp basements, attics or crawl spaces can lead to mold problems and other health challenges.

Insulation provides resistance to heat and energy loss in your Syracuse home. The less heat you lose in the winter, the lower your bills will be. It will also keep the coolness provided by your summertime air conditioning system better contained.

Their energy efficiency is rated by R-values. The R-values refer to resistance to heat flow. This can be determined by the material that it’s made out of, the thickness, the number of layers and its density. A new home that is being constructed or an older home can be made more efficient by adding insulation.

There are different types of insulation that may be used including 1) blankets, which can be made of rock wool or fiberglass, and must be carefully installed for optimum efficiency, 2) spray, which is made from a polyurethane product and is injected into spaces where it expands to fit the area, 3) loose fill type, which can be made up of pellets or fiber and is also blown into the spaces, and 4) Rigid formed sheets which are often used in basements and walls.

Air sealing refers to the tightening up of the structure in terms of leaks and cracks. Inclement weather can slip into your home via ill fitting doors, windows, and cracks around every room’s light and electrical switch-plates. Sealing all with weather-stripping or silicone caulking can keep the outside weather out of doors where it belongs.

Keep your energy costs lower this year by upgrading with energy efficient insulation. You’ll be glad you did as the temperatures continue to drop with winter’s approach.