Attic Insulation Effectiveness

The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home.

Attic insulation effectiveness.

Insulation level are specified by r value. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. In general an attic s r value should be. Commonly used and inexpensive but fibers can irritate lungs and skin though less so than in years past thanks to better manufacturing and it s less effective at blocking airflow than other.

Recycled glass or sand that s melted and spun into fibers. Attic insulation that is less than r 19. An attic floor that is thoroughly air sealed. Your home s r value score will guide you toward the type of insulation you need.

It is meant to supplement insulation not replace it. On the flip side if your insulation levels are that low you would probably see more bang for. Hvac equipment in the attic that is well insulated and sealed. Because of this compression loose fill insulation r value does not change proportionately with thickness.

Handy homeowners can install blown in insulation in the attic. By reducing the amount of radiant heat reaching the insulation in your attic the insulation remains cooler and is able to keep your home more comfortable. To determine how much insulation you need for your climate consult a local insulation contractor. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.

A radiant barrier is designed to increase the effectiveness of your thermal envelope. When it is most effective attic ventilation fans work best if the attic floor is thoroughly sealed hvac equipment is well insulated and sealed and attic insulation is less than r 19. An attic fan can be used temporarily during the summer to decrease the electric bill but it won t be the best option in the long run. Bountiful eave soffit ventilation space.

If installed on top of attic floor insulation the foil will be susceptible to dust accumulation and may trap moisture in fiber insulation so it is strongly recommended that you not apply radiant barriers directly on top of the attic floor insulation. To be effective the reflective surface must face an air space. Blowing insulation into walls is best left to the pros because it involves drilling into stud spaces that may contain electrical. That doesn t mean all those higher levels of insulation are cost effective though.

Attic ventilation fans could be effective if your home has. You ve got to do the calculations to find where your optimum is.