February 2010
Insulation From High Bills
Basic facts on choosing and installing insulation

Adding insulation is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce energy bills, especially if you live in an older home.

The amount of insulation needed for different areas of your home is specified by R-value. R-value measures how resistant the insulating material is to heat flow.

Adding insulation in attics, crawl spaces and basements can be relatively easy. But adding insulation in existing walls or vaulted ceilings can be expensive and extremely difficult.

Attics

In most existing homes, the most important area for adequate insulation is above ceilings that adjoin unconditioned attics. Attic temperatures can be higher than 120 degrees in the summer and the same as the outdoor temperature in the winter. The minimum recommended insulation level for attics in Walton EMC's service area is R-30.

Knee walls, short walls adjacent to attic spaces in upstairs areas, are thermally more like ceilings than walls. Knee wall insulation commonly falls out because of gravity and poor installation. Try to insulate knee walls to R-19.

Floors

Many floors over crawlspaces or unheated basements are relatively easy to insulate. Besides reducing heat loss, insulation can help floors feel warmer and reduce sound. The recommended level of floor insulation for our area is R-19.

Installing insulation yourself can save even more. Be sure to use protective equipment, like respirators, gloves and long sleeves. If the areas are difficult to access, require loose-fill insulation or if you're not sure, it's best to call a professional.

Installing insulation properly can be almost as important as the amount you decide to install. Gaps and compressed areas can lower R-value by as much as 30 percent.

And adding insulation won't solve problems caused by air leaks in the home's thermal envelope. That requires sealing and weatherstripping.

Look here for more information on insulation.