Choosing Insulation: Not as Fun as Paint Colors, but Just as Important

Updated: May 3, 2024

Insulating your home may not be one of the most exciting parts of the building process, but if it’s not done right, you’ll be wishing you had paid more attention.

Insulation provides the necessary barrier your home needs to keep the cool air in during the summer and warm air from escaping during the winter. According to YourEnergySavings.gov, “half of the energy we use to heat or cool our homes can simply leak out without insulation.”

The very best and easiest time to insulate a home is either when it’s being built or during a renovation. Replacing or adding insulation to an existing room or entire home can be costly and difficult to accomplish.

If you’re thinking about building, renovating, or adding on to your home, here are three important factors to consider when choosing insulation that’s right for you:

1. Type

There are three main types of insulation: batts and blankets, loose-fill insulation, and reflective insulation.

• Batts and blankets insulation is the most popular type and generally comes in rolls that make for easy installation. It can be made out of a wide variety of materials such as fiberglass, cotton, and wool.

• Loose-fill insulation is designed to blow into attics and walls with a machine. It’s made from either fiberglass or cellulose.

• Reflective insulation uses aluminum foil sheets to deflect heat away from your home. It’s best used in sunny and warm climates.

2. R Value

The R value is the measurement of a material’s ability to resist heat flow (or thermal resistance). The higher the value, the more efficiently the material will insulate. R values vary based on the type, density, and thickness of the insulation. The R value you need for your home varies depending on the climate and type of home you live in, so it’s a good idea to get advice from a professional installer.

3. Environmental Factors

Some types of insulation are made primarily from recycled materials and others are not. In addition, some insulations contain particles that could cause problems when inhaled. It’s a good idea to weigh the environmental pros and cons as well make sure your air is as clean as possible for your own health and for the good of the environment.

If you’re in the process of choosing insulation for your home, let the experts at Richmond’s Air help you decide what type of insulation and HVAC system will make your Houston home the most comfortable for you and your family.