SOUTH KANSAS CITY Blog

The Best Insulation Upgrade for Your Home as Winter Approaches

As winter approaches, ensuring that your home is properly insulated can help you stay comfortable and save on energy bills. With the cold weather just around the corner, now is the perfect time to consider upgrading your insulation. If you’re looking to improve energy efficiency and make your home cozy, here are the best insulation upgrades to make as winter approaches.

1. Attic Insulation

Your attic is one of the most important areas to focus on when upgrading your home’s insulation. Heat rises, and without adequate insulation, a lot of the warmth in your home will escape through the attic, causing your heating system to work harder. Adding or upgrading attic insulation can help keep the heat inside, reduce energy costs, and improve comfort during the winter months.

Blown-in cellulose or fiberglass insulation is a popular choice for attics due to its ease of installation and excellent thermal properties. If your attic insulation is older or settled over time, topping it off with new insulation can make a significant difference.

2. Crawl Space Insulation

Many homes, especially older ones, have uninsulated or poorly insulated crawl spaces. During the winter, cold air can enter through these areas and lower the overall temperature of your home. Adding insulation to your crawl space can reduce drafts, prevent heat loss, and help regulate the temperature in your home.

Rigid foam board insulation is an effective option for crawl spaces. It’s moisture-resistant, which makes it a great choice for areas prone to dampness. For additional protection, consider installing a vapor barrier in your crawl space to prevent moisture from causing issues with your insulation.

3. Wall Insulation

If your home is poorly insulated or you’ve recently remodeled, adding insulation to your walls can significantly improve energy efficiency. Insulating walls can keep the heat inside, reduce noise, and prevent drafts. This is especially beneficial for older homes, where insulation might have degraded or never been installed in the first place.

Spray foam insulation is an excellent option for wall insulation, as it expands to fill gaps and cracks, offering superior air sealing and insulation properties. It’s particularly beneficial for areas with irregular spaces or hard-to-reach spots.

4. Basement Insulation

Your basement is another crucial area to insulate before winter. Not only does it help keep the overall temperature of your home more stable, but it also prevents moisture and cold air from seeping into your living areas.

Fiberglass batt or foam board insulation are common choices for basements. Adding insulation to the walls and floors can help prevent cold floors and reduce the risk of condensation that could lead to mold growth. Insulating around pipes and ducts can also help improve energy efficiency.

5. Upgrading to High-Performance Insulation Materials

If you’re looking for a more advanced insulation upgrade, consider switching to high-performance materials like spray foam insulation or blown-in cellulose. These materials offer superior thermal resistance, air sealing properties, and moisture control. Spray foam, for example, expands to fill even the smallest cracks and gaps, providing a high level of energy efficiency and comfort.

Conclusion

Upgrading your home’s insulation before winter is an investment that will pay off by keeping your home warmer, reducing your heating costs, and making your living spaces more comfortable. Whether it’s your attic, crawl space, basement, or walls, choosing the right insulation upgrade for each area can have a significant impact on your home’s energy efficiency.

At Koala Insulation of South Kansas City, we specialize in helping homeowners choose and install the best insulation options for their needs. Contact us today to schedule an assessment and ensure your home is ready for the cold winter months ahead!