Now that the Southern California summer has eased into fall, it is a good time to upgrade attic insulation. Because the attic is the easiest place to install or upgrade insulation in most homes, it offers a cost-effective way to lower your energy costs.
Consumers can find an easy way to compare the effectiveness of insulation products by looking at their R-value. This is a measurement of the thermal resistance of the insulation to heat flow. The R-value represents the ratio of the temperature difference for an insulator and the rate at which heat is transferred per unit area. For purposes of comparison, the higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation material.
If you are ready to upgrade attic insulation, it is also important to consider the types of insulation products that are available and which one will be best for your attic. This can be determined by looking at the spaces where you want to install insulation and choosing the appropriate product. Some of the most common types of insulation that are suitable for attics include:
- Blanket insulation: batts or rolls, which are flexible sheets composed of mineral fibers
- Blown-in loose-fill insulation, composed of cellulose, fiberglass or rock wool. This is usually installed by professionals.
- Cellulose and fiberglass fibers mixed with an adhesive or foam, sprayed into a space
- Foam insulation sprayed into place
- Reflective systems, made from aluminum foil on a backing of kraft paper, plastic film, polyethylene bubbles or cardboard
Whether you have a new home or an existing home, make sure the insulation in your attic is sufficient. Once you have identified the spaces to be insulated, you can decide which products would be best for the job. Then you can compare R-values to find the optimal product. Don’t forget to insulate the access door to the attic – this can be one of the biggest sources of heat loss.
If you need expert advice about attic insulation or have other questions related to home comfort, please feel free to contact us. Around the Clock Air Conditioning and Heating has been serving the Los Angeles area since 1967.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Los Angeles, North Hollywood and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about upgrading your attic insulation and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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