Due to the rising costs of energy, it is a good idea to verify that your home is properly insulated. Choosing insulation for the home is an important decision that should not be taken lightly. When the amount of insulation in your home is not sufficient, it allows heat to escape in the winter (and enter in the summer) at an increased rate. This causes your heating and cooling system to work harder to reach your desired comfort level. A quick way to check your insulation levels is by measuring their thickness. Any amount less than 14 inches is not adequate. Two of the most common types of blown-in insulation used in residential construction are fiberglass and cellulose.
Loose-fill fiberglass insulation is an extremely durable product designed for attic areas, walls and hard-to-reach places.
Benefits include:
• Long R-value life
• Dry installation
• Resists settling
• Mold and mildew proof
• Fire-resistant
• Non-absorbent
Loose-fill cellulose insulation is manufactured from recycled newspapers. During its manufacture, the papers are ground up into small bits and pieces which are treated with a fire retardant.
Benefits include:
• Relatively inexpensive
Disadvantages include:
• It’s highly absorbent
• Can cause ceiling sag
• A food source for mold
• Has the potential to corrode pipes, wiring and fasteners
• Is laden with chemicals
Now that you know some of the basics about blown-in insulation, choosing insulation for the home should be easier. For more expert advice regarding loose-fill insulation and other issues related to your home comfort needs, please contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We serve Lorain, Erie and Cuyahoga counties with quality HVAC services.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about choosing insulation and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area