Don’t Wait to Insulate. Here’s How to Choose Insulation

Home Heating and Cooling

Why is insulation a good idea? How much time do you have? Insulation keeps your home warmer in the winter, cooler in the summer, and saves energy while helping lower energy costs all year long.

If you need even more convincing, insulation also absorbs sound from noisy appliances (or teenagers). Oh, and we’ll also help you pay for it with our rebate options!

Now that you know why you should have insulation, here’s what you need to know to choose the right insulation.

Know your R’s

When it comes to insulation, the R-rating doesn’t mean it’s a movie you can’t take your kids to. The R stands for “resistance” and determines how thick your insulation should be to keep heat from escaping your home. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power.

Here are recommended R-values for different types of insulation in your home:

  • Attic: R30 to R60
  • 2×4 walls: R13 to R15
  • 2×6 walls: R19 to R21
  • Floors: R25
  • Crawlspaces: R19 to R25

Remember, R-values vary depending on region, so we recommend consulting with a PSO-approved service provider to see what R-value is best suited for your home. Plus, you may even qualify for a PSO rebate by adding more energy-efficient insulation.

Types of insulation

There are several different types of insulation, and each has its own unique qualities. To see them all (there’s a lot) check out the Department of Energy’s page. However, if you want the short and quick version, here are the most common types and where they work the best.

  • Blanket (batts and rolls): DIY-friendly and relatively inexpensive. Use it for standard stud and joist spacing.
  • Sprayed foam and foamed-in-place: Another popular method, this is super effective for adding insulation to finished areas, irregularly shaped areas, and around obstructions.
  • Loose-fill and blown-in: Whether the material is cellulose, fiberglass, or even rock or slag wool, this insulation is blown or poured into place in existing finished areas, irregularly shaped areas, and around obstructions.

While each type of insulation can be a great option, we offer rebates on blown-in insulation for those who want to save even more.

We hope this article has been helpful and encourage you to get in touch if you have any questions. Remember, when it comes to saving energy, it’s always great to insulate!