It is important that you insulate your home before installing a new HVAC system. You will save money and energy because your new cooling or heating system needs to be scaled to the energy efficiency of your home. These are the available types.
Cellulose
Recycled paper is the primary material used in making cellulose insulation. It has the highest amount of recycled materials found in any other type. Manufacturing it requires less energy and generates less pollution than fiberglass or wool.
Cotton
This type lives up to its name, as it is made of mostly cotton. It has some boron to act as flame retardant and some polyester, but is mostly made of cotton. Cotton is a natural and renewable material.
Fiberglass
Recycled glass and silica sand are used in making fiberglass insulation. The federal EPA requires that this type be made with at least 20 percent recycled materials. Manufacturing this type of insulation requires the burning of fossil fuels and produces more air pollution than the other types.
Foam
Foam has more impact on the environment than any other type of insulation. The manufacturing process requires chemicals that deplete the ozone, and requires raw materials including petroleum products and natural gas.
Polyisocyanurate
This type of insulation is a foam board with a foil back that serves as a radiant and vapor barrier. It is better for the environment than regular foam insulation, unless it’s used in damp areas.
Polystyrene
The two kinds of polystyrene are expanded and extruded. Extruded is more expensive than expanded. Extruded is known as blueboard and expanded is known as beadboard.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane foam is sprayed into walls through holes. It is watertight, does not attract insects, and will not settle or sag. After it dries, it does not have any effect on air quality.
Mineral Wool
This type of insulation is made of mineral strands. Mineral wool has to be made from 70 percent recycled materials according to the EPA.
For more professional information on your insulation options, please contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide exceptional HVAC services in Lorain, Erie and Cuyahoga counties.
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 insulation and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
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