One of the best, long-term home investments you can make is insulation. However, every home has its own unique insulation requirements. This is why it’s very important to work with an experienced insulation contractor who can optimize insulation to enable you to save money on your energy bills while ensuring the comfort of your home. With a quality insulation job, temperature can be more effectively regulated throughout both the blazing heat of summer and the bone-chilling cold of winter.
Attic Insulation
Your attic is one of the primary areas of your home for energy loss if it is not well-insulated. Many older homes in the greater Phoenix area were built before the inception of effective insulation standards and require additional insulation. The best approach, especially if you’re in an older home, is to invest in a continuous, even layer of insulation for the attic or crawl space.
Homes built before 1984 or insulation installed more than 20 years ago often need additional insulation. Voids should be filled with new insulation to improve your home’s energy efficiency. While most newer homes have attics insulated to meet current industry standards, it’s always a good idea to check with a contractor to determine if the level meets today’s standards.
R-Values
The amount of insulation needed varies according to the size of the space, the type of insulation and the R-value. The R-value is a measure of thermal resistance used in the building and construction industry. Homes built after 1984 have insulation rated R-30 to R-38. Because the Phoenix metro area has mild winters, insulation values above R-38 may not be necessary. It’s important to use knowledgeable sources for ranges for recommended R-levels of insulation.
Where to Insulate
Common areas for home insulation to provide efficiency are exterior and interior walls, attics, crawl spaces, garages, basements and cathedral ceilings. Sealing gaps and cracks will also result in maintaining interior temperature.
Want to learn more? Ellsworth Home Services can provide insulation solutions to meet your specific needs. Call today at 480-593-2265.
