Insulation is essential for any home. Despite this, many homeowners still take insulation for granted and miss out on the benefits that come with it. In fact, earlier research from the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) found that nearly 90% of US homes were under-insulated. Fluctuating temperatures, high energy bills, and water leaks in the attic are common signs of an under-insulated home.
Moreover, a modern home doesn’t necessarily mean it’s well-insulated. The amount of insulation home builders install may not be enough to maintain comfortable temperatures throughout the year, even if it’s up to code.
A+ Insulation can help you figure out where you may need to improve your insulation with a free home energy audit. We’ll help you get your home insulated adequately so that you can save money not just energy bills but on medical bills, as well.
How Insulation Improves Health
You may have heard of the benefits of insulation, such as how it prevents moisture condensation and improves temperature. What you may not hear as often is how these benefits help improve your health.
Even the distribution of indoor temperature reduces thermal stress and the adverse health effects of fluctuating temperatures like migraines, headaches, and joint pain. Regulated temperatures and the lack of condensation also improve the indoor air quality and lower the risk of mold growth.
Mold spores are one of the common reasons behind allergic reactions. Having a well-insulated and mold-free home reduces allergy symptoms and asthma flare-ups.
Recommended Insulation for Better Health
Proper insulation, regardless of what materials are used, already offers many with health benefits. However, a report from Energy Efficiency for All found that certain types of insulation are better for your health than others.
Corkboard is the report’s number one insulation type from a health perspective. Although the material is free of hazardous content, it is one of the most expensive and least available of insulation materials. The report recommends instead fiberglass and cellulose insulation materials for both cost-efficiency, availability, and health benefits.
Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass is one of the most popular types of insulation. It’s made of melted inorganic materials like sand or molten glass. The types of fiberglass insulation included in the report are:
- Loose-fill fiberglass
- Dense-pack fiberglass
- Spray-applied fiberglass
- Fiberglass batts or blankets (kraft-faced, unfaced, and polypropylene-scrim-kraft faced)
Cellulose
Cellulose insulation is commonly made from recycled newspapers and other recycled paper products. The fiberized paper is treated with mineral borate to make it fire- and insect-resistant. The list included the following cellulose insulation types:
- Cellulose or cotton batts and blankets
- Loose-fill cellulose
- Dense-pack cellulose
- Wet-blown cellulose
Parts of the Home to Insulate
Experts recommend that homeowners insulate their homes from the roof down to the foundation. Attic spaces, exterior walls, and floors above crawl spaces or unheated garages are prime spots for insulation. You can also maximize the health and energy benefits by undergoing a home energy audit. The audit results provide you with a more comprehensive list of places to fix and insulate.
Contact us today to schedule a free home energy audit for a more comfortable and healthier home environment.