Home insulation is one of the most important hidden qualities of any Bay Area residence, yet because it is hidden in attics, walls and crawl spaces, it’s something that homeowners don’t often think about. Good insulation lowers energy bills and keeps your home feeling comfortable throughout the year, so it’s always something to consider when building or renovating your home. Let’s go over some of the basics of insulation so you can get a better idea of how you should insulate your attic.
How Home Insulation Controls Heat Flow
Insulation is intended to control heat flow in your home. Since heat flows from warmer spaces to cooler spaces, your home loses heat in the colder winter months and gains heat in the summer. Heat also rises, which is why the upper floors of your home are often warmer than your ground floor or your basement. It’s also why home insulation specialists focus on attic insulation ideas when they insulate a home.
While you can compensate for heat loss or heat gain by adjusting your thermostat, your home will still lose or gain heat as it flows in and out of your home. This forces your HVAC system to work even harder to maintain a comfortable temperature, which leads to higher energy bills and a home that is usually uncomfortably warm or cold.
How Insulation Improves Home Comfort
Home insulation works by slowing the heat flow through the building enclosure. A well-insulated home will include insulation material in its walls, its foundation, and its attic. This will significantly improve the home’s temperature throughout the year. Home insulation should also have no gaps; one poorly insulated area in your home can lead to significant heat gain or loss. It is like wearing a heavy coat in cold weather without wearing a hat or gloves.
You will most likely choose your insulation based on its R-value, which is a measure of its resistance to heat flow. A home in a colder climate will require insulation with a higher R-value since it’s more resistant to heat flow. Insulation with an R-value of around 30 is usually good for an Oakland or East Bay home. Checking with the Department of Energy or your local home insulation specialists is the best way to determine what kind of insulation you need for your home.
Work with Element Home Solutions to Update Your Home Insulation
Since most older homes in the San Francisco Bay Area do not have robust insulation, you may need to update your home insulation to save money. Contact Element Home Solutions for more information about our insulation services or to find an insulation plan that best suits your home.
