WEST FORT WORTH Blog

Lowering Costs with Proper Insulation: A How-To Guide

There are a lot of reasons why your home insulation is important. Proper insulation regulates the temperature inside your home, keeps energy costs low, and can even moderate moisture and noise levels. Lackluster insulation, on the other hand, only provides a fraction of the benefits. Settling for cheap insulation might cost you more down the line and make your home less comfortable. So, when calculating your home insulation cost, be sure you factor in future savings along with the upfront cost. Here are some ways you can save money with properly installed home insulation.

Getting the Most Out of Your Home Insulation

For many people, their primary concern when it comes to their insulation is temperature regulation. Moderating your home’s temperature is certainly one of the most important functions of insulation. Good insulation keeps your home warm in the winter, and cool in the summer. It does this by keeping indoor air in, and the outdoor air out. This is also the biggest area for potential savings from your insulation. The better your insulation works on a cold day, the less you need to spend on heating your home. Your annual savings could be in the hundreds from your insulation alone.

Making the most of the potential energy savings from your insulation requires more than just using the best quality product. Installation is as important, if not more important, as the insulation itself. Make sure your insulation is professionally installed, and that all important areas are covered. This means all exterior walls should be insulated, as well as floors separating your attic or basement from the main house. Adding sealants around windows and doors also increases your home's energy efficiency.

Another way that insulation can save you money is by providing moisture protection. Even with the right materials, improperly installed or worn-down insulation can allow moisture to build up. This can cause mold or mildew to accumulate in your attic or walls.

Some insulation types are more effective than others at keeping moisture out. Cellulose insulation, for instance, is not water resistant at all and can lead to mold or mildew problems. Insulation batts and fiberglass insulation are fairly reliable in terms of repelling moisture. However, the best insulation for water resistance is closed-cell spray foam insulation.

Spray Foam Insulation: Is It Right For You?

There are two kinds of spray foam insulation: open-cell and closed-cell. In terms of water resistance, closed-cell spray foam insulation is much more effective. Open-cell spray foam insulation, however, is not waterproof.

In addition to being the best option for resisting moisture, closed-cell spray foam insulation is extremely efficient. Its R-Value is 6.9 per inch, which is better than most other common types of home insulation. Closed-cell spray foam insulation is also among the most durable insulation types. When properly installed, spray foam insulation has an estimated lifespan of around 80 years.

So if closed-cell spray foam is so effective and durable, why doesn’t every home use it? First, not every home needs it. Spray foam insulation is harder to install and can only be done by professionals. It is also pricier than other home insulation types. But those whose homes require the absolute best insulation often trust spray foam.

Inspecting and Replacing Your Home Insulation

There is never a bad time to check up on your home insulation. If you want to review your options or receive an estimate, contact Koala Insulation in Fort Worth, Texas. One of our experts can provide guidance and recommend the perfect insulation for your home. Our professional installation will ensure peak performance for your insulation for many years to come.