Insulation Services

Insulation is one of those things that we rarely, if ever, see. So how do we know that it really exists? That’s kind of the point. When you buy a home, you hope that the previous homeowner or the home inspector tells you if and how well the home is insulated. But how do you really know that your home is insulated efficiently?

The pros from Smart Heating and Air know where to find insulation and how much of it is needed for your home. They’ll partner with you to determine if you need insulation services to repair or replace your current insulation. 

What type of structure needs insulation?

Pretty much any building that has a heating or cooling system in an area that experiences significant temperature variation. The best heating or cooling systems on the market are ineffective without insulation. Buildings need a barrier to prevent interior air from escaping or unwanted exterior air from entering your home. That’s insulation’s job.

And insulation isn’t just for attics. It’s also critical to insulate:

• crawl spaces
• the roof
• exterior walls 
• windows/outside doors, even your garage door! 
• hot water pipes and heaters
• heating and air conditioning duct vents

If you’re not sure if your house is properly insulated, check for the following:

• cold spots, drafts, different temperatures between rooms
• water where it’s not supposed to be – ice dams on the roof, leaks in the attic, frozen pipes

An improperly insulated home causes the heating and cooling systems to work overtime to provide the desired temperature. The result is not just less efficient heating or cooling and higher energy costs. Without proper maintenance, that also means more wear and tear on your HVAC system with the potential for more repairs or a shorter life span.

Insulation types and materials

There are a variety of ways a house can be insulated. And the materials used in insulation vary widely and have disadvantages as well as advantages.

Blanket or roll insulation – If you’re doing it yourself and just need insulation for unfinished floors, walls, or ceilings, you can buy “blankets” or rolls of insulation from the local home improvement store and staple them in place. 

Fiberglass is generally considered the most common type of material used in this type of insulation or blown-in, is inexpensive, and can be applied by a homeowner. 

However, fiberglass is exactly what it sounds like – material made up partially of tiny fibers of glass. While generally considered safe to use, it must be handled carefully as it can irritate skin and possibly be inhaled. It can last a very long time and is not considered a fire catalyst but can settle or shift over time (especially blown-in), causing reduced efficiency. 

 Foam boards or panels – These are best for unfinished areas around the foundation (basement). They’re typically used by contractors for new builds or possibly homeowners with this expertise for small renovations.

Made from a type of plastic, foam boards are resistant to moisture and easy to work with but may be combustible in a fire. 

Blown-in – This is used in finished, odd-shaped, or difficult to reach areas. It can be a DIY project with the right tools and direction, but it should generally be installed by contractors. 

Materials used may be fiberglass, rock wool, or recycled/cellulose materials (one of the oldest materials used in insulation). Made from newspaper, cardboard or similar paper-based products, it is also inexpensive and a good DIY project. However, it can settle and doesn’t create the necessary air seal. 

Spray foam – This may be the most efficient but also the most expensive for whole-house application. It’s possible for a homeowner to apply this in small spaces but large-scale applications can be tricky without the proper training and tools, so it’s advisable to have a knowledgeable contractor install it. 

Spray foam is made up of 2 liquids that make a foam. It lasts longer than other insulation types and generally won’t need maintenance or replacement.

Except for spray foam, even insulation needs maintenance. Most forms of insulation won’t last indefinitely and will need to be updated or replaced. Determining the best type for your situation depends on a variety of factors, not just cost. 

The service professionals at Smart Heating and Air are well-versed in all forms of insulation services and can advise you of the best option for your family.