You already know the importance and benefits of good home insulation. But, like most people, you may be confused by all the information out there about insulation. Indeed, plenty of misconceptions and myths can lead people astray when deciding about purchasing or upgrading home insulation. Many of these misconceptions can lead to expensive mistakes and high energy costs. Here’s a thorough rundown of the most common myths and truths about insulation.
Myth vs. Fact In Home Insulation
Myth 1: You only need insulation if you live in an area with a hot climate
Fact: The benefits of insulation are year-round
Many people presume that insulation is only good for keeping the cold out and the home warm. This is a complete myth, as insulation does a lot more than that.
Insulation works year-round by acting as an extra layer of barrier that helps maintain the inside temperature, regardless of the season or the weather outside. During the freezing winter, it keeps the warm air inside by sealing all cracks, crevices, and gaps in the frame of your house, keeping the cold air from leaking inside. This means your HVAC system will be able to regulate the inside temperature efficiently. The opposite happens during winter.
Myth 2: The more insulation, the better
Fact: Excessive insulation is Counterproductive, choose the right type for you
Over insulating can lead to diminishing returns, which means excessive energy costs without the significant benefits. This is why simply padding your house with more insulation doesn’t necessarily ensure optimal insulation.
Different insulation materials have different R-values (a measure of thermal resistance, the higher the value, the better resistance the material or structure has). Different geographical locations have different recommended R-values. Thus, you need to know the recommended R-value for your region and the type of insulation that works best for that.
Myth 3: Insulation is always expensive
Fact: Prices vary, but It Is generally affordable
This myth can be true in some instances, but generally, insulation is not expensive. Prices for professional insulation for attics for example, range from $1.5 to $3 per foot. This can be higher if you choose higher quality materials and brands. Should you choose the DIY route, the cost can be even lower.
Again, it is crucial to consider the recommended R-value of your area, the type of insulation, brand, and of course, the quality. And as with most things, you can never go wrong with a high quality option, as you can get your money back from significant savings in your energy costs.
Myth 4: Insulation can only be installed in new homes
Fact: All homes need good insulation
While insulation, indeed, is easier to install during the construction of new houses, it is not exclusive to newly built homes. All homes, especially the older ones, can benefit significantly from upgraded insulation. Adding insulation to already-built homes will improve energy efficiency, reduce bills, and improve overall comfort.
Myth 5: Insulation is just about saving money from energy costs
Fact: Insulation also brings comfort and value to your home
While good insulation can definitely save you a lot of money on energy bills, it does much more than that. By keeping the ideal indoor temperature inside your home, it makes your home comfier and cozier, even during extreme weather conditions.
Also, since insulation is an added barrier for your home, it creates soundproofing, meaning things can get quieter. If you live in a busy area and simply despise outside noise, then wall insulation can help.
Moreover, more and more home buyers now prefer energy-efficient homes. So, if you plan on selling your property in the future, a simple upgrade like installing good insulation can definitely help maintain the value of your property.
Myth 6: All insulation materials are the same
Fact: Absolutely not; different insulation materials have different advantages and drawbacks
While their functions are largely the same, different materials have different benefits and disadvantages. The R-value is the primary indicator of insulation efficiency, and you have to know the recommended type for your location to get the best bang for your buck.
Some of the most common materials used for residential insulation include the fiberglass, cellulose, and spray foam. Fiberglass is the most commonly used, as it is affordable and cost-effective. Cellulose is usually made up of recycled materials, making them more eco-friendly. Spray foam on the other hand, offers superior air-sealing capabilities, but it can be a challenge to retrofit into existing homes.
Myth 7: DIY installation is the way to go if you want to save money
Fact: Professional installation will give you the best bang for your buck
While you can definitely install insulation yourself, the ideal way to do it is with the help of professionals. Depending on the type of material you choose, insulation installation is a huge undertaking. It involves many variables, which can lead to numerous problems. It requires precision and expertise to ensure the materials are properly installed. These pros have the equipment, tools, skills, and experience to handle different types of insulation needs.
Myth 8: Insulations are forever
Fact: Insulation can last a long time, but not forever.
Many people mistakenly think their installation will last forever and will never need repair or replacement. While we want this myth to be true, it is simply not the case.
As with most things, neglect and time will cause damage and deterioration to the insulation. Though some materials can last longer for their durability, they can be vulnerable to various things. Fiberglass, which is the most common material for insulation, can get damaged. This is why thorough checkups and repairs will help keep it in top shape.
The Takeaway
Home insulation is vital for maintaining a comfortable and energy-efficient home. By separating facts from fiction, anyone can make informed decisions about the insulation needs of their home.
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