Most Energy Efficient Attic Insulation

Energy efficient insulation while an important consideration is actually only one solution to attic heating and cooling issues.

Most energy efficient attic insulation. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. On average roll insulation costs less than other types of insulation source. Addressing all forms of heat gain loss and moisture related concerns is essential to creating an efficient healthy cost effective and sustainable efficient attic system. The way your attic retains or releases heat can affect your entire house and implementing a simple set of solutions can make your attic more energy efficient.

Insulation level are specified by r value. But your state s energy office or local utility may offer product rebates discounts or other financial incentives for insulating. To find out if you have enough attic insulation measure the thickness of the insulation. How much to buy.

The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home. Depending on your geographic location the size of your. Loose fill cellulose or fiberglass can also be sprayed into existing structures. Installing high r value insulation in your attic will create a barrier to prevent the heat or cold from escaping thus making your home more energy efficient.

However if you re remodeling an existing home spray foam is probably the best option for maximum energy efficiency. Loose fill or batt insulation is typically installed in an attic. Sometimes however insulation isn t enough. Loose fill insulation is usually less expensive to install than batt insulation and provides better coverage when installed properly.

Measure your attic s square footage. Most federal tax credits for weatherizing your house and boosting its energy efficiency expired in 2011. See a state by state directory of such programs here. If you put an air permeable insulation material over a hole in your ceiling you may have comfort indoor air quality durability and efficiency problems.

The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Before you ever get insulation anywhere near the attic though make sure that you get the air leakage sites sealed up. The attic is the easiest place to add insulation to improve your comfort and the energy efficiency of your home. Insulation materials run the gamut from bulky fiber materials such as fiberglass rock and slag wool cellulose and natural fibers to rigid foam boards to sleek foils.

Rigid foam boards trap air or another gas to resist conductive heat flow. The four step approach outlined below considers the whole attic as a system. Bulky materials resist conductive and to a lesser degree convective heat flow in a building cavity. Now that you ve air sealed your attic and basement check your attic insulation levels and add more if necessary.