Now that summer is upon us, keeping your house cool is a necessity. While we enjoy the warm and bright days the summer season brings, one cannot deny the hassle of the sweaty and icky feeling that comes with it. Most homeowners turn to their AC during the summertime. But with the high cost of electricity bill, it is not the wisest move. There are ways to make your house cooler, other than just setting your AC to its maximum capacity! You may ask, “how?”. The answer is simple: home attic insulation.
How does insulation work?
The first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word insulation is probably winter coats and jackets. However, insulation is more than just thick fur and wool in your clothing. Insulation, in general, is the process of stopping heat from escaping and entering through the use of particular materials such as mineral wool, fiberglass, and foam, among others. It helps not just in trapping heat to keep you warm in winter. It also works in reverse. It repels heat as well.
What does house insulation do?
Insulating a home allows you to achieve the most comfortable indoor temperature. In wintertime, insulation works to keep your house warmer. In the summertime, it is used to keep your house cooler.
There are many ways of insulating your home. You can do it on your walls, floors, or roof, but one of the most common is home attic insulation. The attic is the space between your roof and ceiling. While it may seem like a useless space, knowing how to maximize it can do wonders for you and your family.
Sure, your roof is your first line of defense against the harsh elements, but it can only do so much. The attic can serve as your guard against extreme temperatures. By insulating your attic, you are using an otherwise empty space for your protection and comfort. The insulation slows down the heat transfer from the roof to the ceiling – cooling the heat particles before they even reach your living room.
Aside from its great benefit of keeping your home cool, an insulated attic can also save you hundreds of dollars in energy bills. Instead of spending so much for AC monthly, a one-time expense for attic insulation can solve your issues during the summertime.
How you can insulate a house
Insulating a house can be as simple as putting heavy curtains and styrofoam boards. However, there is a better and long-term solution available – that is, getting professional assistance.
There are different types of insulation materials to choose from, depending on your budget and the weather condition in your area.
Foam
The easiest type to install is foam insulation. Using special equipment, experts install this simply by spraying all over existing material. This material is typically used in unfinished attics and walls.
Installation can be messy and toxic if done by a person not familiar with the process.
Fiberglass
In most houses, fiberglass insulation is a common choice. It is one of the cheapest options available, but it is reliable. One issue that homeowners encounter with fiberglass insulation is sagging. After a while, the fibers breakdown and lose their form. You might need to re-install when that happens to ensure your house is protected.
Cellulose
If you prefer organic material at home, the best choice for you is cellulose insulation. Cellulose makes use of recycled paper and cardboard. It is thick, dense, and feathery in consistency. Cellulose insulation is best for hard to reach areas in your attic.
Wool
Mineral wool or rock wool is a more premium choice for insulation material. It is a bit more expensive than the usual fiberglass. However, it brings much more than insulation. It also soundproofs a home.
A Final Word
Insulating a home may sound expensive at first, but the value it brings you and your family is worth it – a comfortable home all-year-round. Moreover, after five years, you will likely regain the upfront payment through the savings you make from your reduced energy bill. Now that’s an investment worth considering.