5 types of insulation you need to know to save energy at home
September 7 2018, 11:25 AM
When looking at energy-efficiency upgrades as part of your home renovation, upgrading your home’s insulation will give you the biggest return on investment. In New Brunswick, 50% of an average home’s energy use goes to heating. Only 6% of the housing stock in New Brunswick is insulated up to the current standards of the National Building Code. Choosing the right home insulation type for your renovation will help you save energy at home during both the heating and cooling seasons. Read on to learn more about the 5 types of insulation you need to know to help you save energy at home.
How insulation works
When we heat or cool our homes, and they aren’t well insulated, our homes become less comfortable as the heat finds ways to escape (in the winter), and enter (in the summer). Insulation creates a barrier between the inside and outside of your home to slow heat from leaving or entering.
When looking at upgrading your home insulation, be sure to look at the r-value of your insulation. The r-value varies based on the type, density and thickness of the material being used. The higher the r-value, the better it will perform.
Home insulation types
- Blown-in insulation
This home insulation type is usually made of fiberglass or recycled paper fiber (known as cellulose.) It’s blown or sprayed into place and is ideal for hard-to-reach areas such as attics or wall cavities you don’t want to open up.
- Insulation batts
Precut sections of fiberglass or rock wool insulation. Can be used in floors, walls, attics and ceilings.
- Insulation rolls
Similar to insulation batts, but come in longer lengths- usually 20-40 feet. This insulation type is ideal for attics, floors and other areas where you need longer runs.
- Foam board insulation
This insulation type comes in rigid panels made of polystyrene and polyurethane. Can be used to insulate almost any part of your home, especially exterior walls underneath your siding.
Source: Brennan Builders - Spray foam insulation
Latex or polyurethane spray foam can be sprayed either with a can to help seal around windows and doors, or through special equipment in areas like basements and crawlspaces.
How much insulation do I need?
The best way to find out how much insulation you need to add to your home is to have a certified energy advisor come to your home to perform an energy evaluation. You can register through our Total Home Energy Savings program to set up and evaluation and receive money back for upgrading your home’s insulation.
We recommend upgrading your home’s insulation to reach the following r-values to make your home more comfortable and help you save on your bills.
- Attic: R-60
- Sloped/Cathedral Ceilings: R-30
- Exterior/Main walls: R-30
- Basement/Crawlspace Walls: R-30
Is insulation the next upgrade on your home renovation to-do list? Tell us about it in the comments below!
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