Insulation

Insulation materials reduce the transfer of heat from one place to another. In Maine homes, insulation reduces the flow of heat from the interior to the exterior in the winter, and in the summer months, from the exterior to the interior. For optimal energy efficiency, your home should be insulated from the roof down to the foundation. When insulation is properly installed, heating systems run less frequently, helping to reduce on-going energy expenses while meeting home heating needs.

Insulation’s ability to reduce heat transfer is rated in terms of its resistance, or R-value. You’ll often see information about insulation conveyed in total R-value. As an example, ENERGY STAR recommends that attics in Maine be insulated to R49. The average Maine home is well below that and has an attic insulation level of R13 (e.g. – 3.5 inch fiberglass batt insulation). Efficiency Maine recommends that the entire building envelope be insulated from top to bottom including attics, cathedral ceilings, all wall cavities, rim joists, basement walls, and crawl spaces.

A Residential Registered Vendor will be able to recommend appropriate insulation levels and tell you which insulation materials might work best in certain locations. For example, blown-in insulation is a popular and relatively inexpensive choice for attic insulation.

Advantages

• Lower Heating and Cooling Costs – Effective insulation means that it takes less energy to make your home comfortable and reduces your costs.
• Increased Year-Round Comfort – Insulation projects typically make rooms warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
• Reduced Outside Noise – Increased insulation levels may also reduce outside noise making your home quieter.