 Heat flows naturally from a warm place
to a cooler space. In the winter, heated
air will try to flow to an unheated
garage, basement … or attic.
In warm months, heat will try to flow
from the outdoors into the cool interior
of the home. The majority of this heat
transfer in homes takes place in the
attic during the summer and through
your windows during the winter.
The role of insulation to prevent
this unwanted circulation throughout
your home. Combined with proper ventilation
and a radiant barrier, proper insulation
helps your home maintain a comfortable,
uniform temperature throughout the
year with significantly less use of
the heating and cooling systems. Insulation
can also act as a sound absorber, to
help make your home quieter.
Even though older homes are more likely
to need an insulation upgrade, even
a new home can likely benefit from
a higher R-value of insulation. The
amount of energy you save will depend
on a number of factors, such as local
climate, family living habits, heating
and cooling system efficiency, etc.
Once the energy savings have paid for
the installation, energy conserved
is money saved – and the savings
will only increase as utility rates
go up.
"R" Values Based on Local Heating
& Cooling Costs and Climate Conditions
Insulation is measured in R-values-
the higher the R-value, the better
your walls and roof will resist the
transfer of heat. The U.S. Department
of Energy publishes recommendations
for the ranges of R-values based on
local heating and cooling costs and
climate conditions in different areas
of the nation. The map and chart show
the DOE recommendations which for North
Texas are area 3. The recommended attic
insulation is R-49, or R38 for a cathedral
ceiling. Which amounts to 16.5" of
insulation in the attic. Most older
homes only have 3" - 4" of
insulation due to settling; and many
newer homes only have 10" of insulation.
Every home can benefit from adding
insulation to the recommended levels.
Click to download a 36 page PDF guide:
Energy
Savers - Tips on Saving Energy and
Money at Home. |
