As energy costs rise, reducing the amount of energy your home consumes will help reduce your utility bills more than ever before. One of the best ways to reduce your home’s energy consumption is to insulate your home. Different kinds of insulation offer different advantages to home owners. Choosing the right type of insulation for your home will make your home more energy efficient.
Fibreglass Insulation:
When you think of insulation, chances are you think of fibreglass insulation. It consists of intertwined fibreglass fibres. The interweaving of these fibres captures air and helps retain the air already in your home. Fibreglass insulation is usually installed by rolling out fibreglass rolls and cutting them to fit the area of its intended use. Fibreglass has an R-value of around R-3.2. This rating depends on the manufacturer and costs around $0.70 to $1.00 per square foot. This price makes it one of the most economical options for insulating your home.
Spray Foam Insulation:
A good alternative to fibreglass is spray foam insulation. This insulation is a two component mixture composed of isocynate and resin that expands upon being mixed. The two chemicals are forced together through the tip of a gun and sprayed wherever they are needed. Spray foam insulation is more energy efficient than fibreglass. Its R-value is around R-7 to R-8, more than double that of fibreglass. Spray foam will cost anywhere from $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot.
Blow In Insulation:
Blow In Insulation is another option. It is made of cellulose and blown in to your home using a machine dedicated to the job. This insulation costs around $0.75 to $1.00 per square foot, about the same as fibreglass. However, it is possible for this insulation to reach higher R-values with less material when compared with fibreglass, making it more efficient. Its R-value is normally around 3.6.
Each of these types of insulation will make your home more comfortable whether it’s the cooling or heating season. Spray foam is the most efficient, but it also costs more than other options. Blown In is more efficient than fibreglass but it may cost more to install because of the equipment needed. No matter which insulation you choose, installing it to upgrade your current home or to get the most out of a new home will always pay off in the long run. Also keep in mind, that the prices listed above are for reference only and will vary depending on where you live.
For more information on home energy efficiency, please contact us at 905-312-9644
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