How Important Is Good Insulation to Heating?

Maintaining your cooling and heating is no small feat, and you’ll be at a great disadvantage should your home have poor levels of insulation. Insulation controls the transfer of heat; without it, heat will move freely toward the cool air in your home during both summer and winter. There are several types of insulation available to homeowners, and with professional installation, you can achieve maximum energy efficiency for years to come. Not sure if you have enough insulation in your home? Call Mediterranean Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc., and schedule insulation service in Woodland Hills with one of our experts.

Types of Insulation

There isn’t just one type of insulation you can use in your home. In fact, it’s quite common to mix types to achieve energy efficiency. Here are the four main types of insulation available:

• Batt insulation – this is the most commonly-used type of insulation, and one that most people think of when they hear the word “insulation”. Batt insulation comes in large rolls that are usually pink or yellow. Batt is typically made of fiberglass and is sized to fit between wall studs.
• Foam board/rigid foam – as the name suggests, foam board is rigid insulation that can be used from top to bottom of your home. Because of its structure, rigid foam board is typically used to insulate ductwork, trusses, flooring,ceilings and the exterior of new homes being constructed.
• Spray foam – spray foam is an adhesive that creates an air-tight seal with whatever it comes into contact with. When spray foam hits the air, it expands up to 100 times its size, so it’s important to have a professional manage the installation.
• Loose-fill – loose fill is blown into your home from a small cavity drilled into your home’s exterior. Loose-fill is made of mostly recycled materials and is great for retro-fitting.

Why Good Insulation Is Important

First, good insulation helps make you home much more energy efficient. In fact, Energy.gov estimates that 70% of your home’s energy efficiency comes from the insulation. Second, when your home isn’t energy efficient, your heating system has to work harder to compensate for the loss of heat. When your system works harder, it uses more energy and becomes prone to excessive wear and tear and possible breakdown. Third, poor insulation can compromise your comfort. Uneven heating and drafts can often be the result of poor insulation.

If you are wondering whether or not your home has enough insulation to maintain your heating, call Mediterranean Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc., and schedule an appointment with one of our trained technicians.