Insulation is critical in maintaining comfortable temperatures within your home and reducing energy costs due to heating and cooling. Whether during a sweltering summer or a frigid winter, the right insulation in the right places is critical. Here are the three most important parts of your home to insulate and why.
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Why Insulating the Attic Is Important
Your attic poses two different problems that can affect your heating and cooling costs. Not only does air escape from the attic, but outside air also seeps into the attic. You may feel warm and cozy downstairs in the winter, but heat rises and can easily leak out of the attic without proper insulation. Quality loose fill or batt fiberglass insulation prevents comfortable air from escaping, stops uncomfortable air from coming in and reduces energy costs whether blown in or installed in large rolls.
Related Read: Why We Batten Down the (Attic) Hatches
2. Your Walls Need Insulation, Here’s Why
Exterior walls need insulation for the simple reason that they are the barrier between the inside and outside of your home. In winter, heat seeps out through the walls and during the summer heat seeps back into the walls. Proper insulation in the walls helps prevent this cycle of heat loss and heat gain. Options include batted fiberglass and blow-in options, both effective if installed properly leaving no gaps.
Related Read: Don’t Forget to Insulate the Most Neglected Room of Your Home
3. Why Insulating Floors Matters
Uninsulated floors in unheated spaces, such as garages or crawl spaces, are an easy place for cool air to sneak in. Draped foundation or spray foam insulation added to these areas prevents air from rising up through the floor and reduces the likelihood of moisture and possible issues with mold. If there is a chilly basement under the main floor of your home, insulation prevents the cool air from rising and makes the basement temperature more comfortable for use.