Reduce Energy Bills With Attic Insulation
Heating your home can often feel like a black hole draining your bank account. No matter what precautions are made to seal leaky windows and drafty doors, little difference is seen from the cost reduction efforts. Heating costs in harsh winter climates can be very high. In older homes or homes without adequate insulation, the heat will literally go “through the roof” as will the heating bill. One of the best and easiest ways to reduce heating costs and improve energy efficiency is to get attic insulation. Batt and loose fill are the two types of insulation.
Batt insulation is the kind that is rolled along the attic floor. Loose fill attic insulation are made of fibers that are “blown” into the attic. Although batt insulation is typically more expensive, loose fill can be more effective if installed properly. This is an excellent choice for those homeowners looking to take advantage of the tax credits available for making homes more efficient. With the recent emphasis on becoming more environmentally conscientious, there are also a number of choices for green attic insulation. No matter which type of insulation is chosen, it is important that the attic is sealed properly. Air leaks will allow heat to escape and will defeat the purpose of the insulation. Whether making it a DIY project or using the services of a professional, be sure that all exhaust fans are ducted to the outside of the home, cracks between the chimney and framing are sealed with furnace cement, and the tops of interior walls are sealed with caulk.
Another good idea for making your home as efficient as possible is to have a radiant barrier installed. Radiant barriers are made of highly reflective materials that reflect heat instead of absorbing it. This works to reduce heating costs by reducing heat loss. Since warm air rises, these barriers trap the heat and keep it in the home where it belongs. A radiant barrier is installed between the attic insulation and the sheathing. Even though it can be a DIY project, it is recommended that homeowners leave the installation of a radiant barrier to a professional. There are a number of complicated factors that arise during installation that can affect the performance of the product.
