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An improperly insulated attic may be the reason your HVAC system is unable to meet your heating and cooling needs. Insulation helps create a barrier so your hot and cool air can’t escape through your roof. It helps make it so your house can retain hot or cool air for longer after your HVAC has turned off. This also helps prolong the life of your heating and cooling systems as well as save you money. At Atticman Heating and Air Conditioning, Insulation, we can provide you with expert insulation services in Sacramento, CA and put your mind at ease.
Signs Your Attic Needs More Insulation
There are several signs to watch out for to determine whether your attic could use more insulation. If you notice the following, it is time to call in the professionals to get your attic checked out:
- Higher energy costs
- Variations in indoor temperature
- Inability to keep temperature at a comfortable level
- Discernable drafts
- Visible gaps in your attic’s insulation
All of these things can cause your HVAC system to overwork, which costs you more money. Luckily, there is something that you can do about this! By adding proper insulation to your attic, you can help your house stay more comfortable for longer and cut down on those energy bills, both in the warmer and cooler times of the year.
Types of Insulation for Your Attic
There are several types of insulation you can choose from, and each has its pros and cons. When choosing which type of insulation to use, you must understand the “R-value.” The “R” stands for “resistance,” and it measures how well insulation can resist energy loss. It is measured by thickness in inches, and each climate zone has its own requirements for what is an acceptable R-value for insulation. The colder the climate, the higher the R-value is needed in order to be effective.
Fiberglass Batt Insulation
Fiberglass batt insulation is one of the most common types since it is readily available and fairly inexpensive. It is made from tiny pieces of glass and other recycled materials, which also makes it more environmentally friendly. It is also called blanket insulation since it comes in big sheets that look like cotton candy attached to a thin paper material. This is often found in between your walls, and it can be used in your attic as well. Although it does have one of the lowest R-values of any kind of insulation (2.2-3.2), it is often sufficient for warmer climates.
There are chemicals added to it that help make it flame-proof, further protecting your home. It also helps add sound insulation, keeping noise from outside getting in and vice versa. It generally holds up well and doesn’t shrink. However, if you have a leaky roof and water gets in, it can destroy this type of insulation as well as cause mold to grow. It is also sometimes used for nests by mice and other unwanted visitors. Sometimes, fiberglass can irritate your skin and lungs, so it is important to allow a professional to install it for you.
Blown-In Fiberglass
Another type of insulation for your attic is blown-in fiberglass. This is made from the same material, but instead of coming in big sheets, it is blown in using a machine. This helps cut down on time, only taking a few hours instead of a few days. And since it is still fiberglass, it is one of the cheapest types of insulation and the easiest to find. Since it is blown in, it is more evenly distributed and covers your whole attic without any gaps. However, it can also get wet and grow mold, and it is a pain to take out piece by piece since it is not in big sheets. It also still has a lower R-value. It can also bother your lungs and skin, which is why a professional who is properly trained to install it should do the work.
Blown-In Cellulose
Cellulose is also made with recycled materials, but instead of glass, it uses things like cardboard, newspapers and wood. This makes it less dangerous to use as it doesn’t bother your skin or lungs like fiberglass does. Boric acid is added to make it flame-proof, which is, unfortunately, not as good for the environment. Since it is also blown in, it fills gaps and provides a higher R-value than fiberglass batting and blown-in fiberglass. It can, however, also get wet and cause mold growth, and it takes forever to remove.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam comes in liquid form and hardens after being sprayed around your attic. It offers one of the highest R-values of any type of insulation, ranging from 5.6-8.0. It doesn’t deteriorate like other kinds of insulation, so it keeps your attic sealed for longer. While it is initially more expensive, it ends up paying for itself and is one of the better choices in the long run, especially for cooler climates. It also adds more structural stability to your house. It can, however, also irritate your skin just like the other types, so it is necessary to let a professional handle the installation.
Rigid Foam Board Insulation
Another type of insulation is rigid foam board. This is made of several kinds of foam plastics and is more moisture-resistant, unlike the other types of insulation. It does, however, require expanding foam to seal the gaps in between, and it can be rather expensive. But, it does have the highest R-value at 8.0. And, since it is more rigid, it can’t be used by unwanted pests like fiberglass batting.
Other Types of Insulation
It is worth mentioning that there are several other types of insulation available, although not as often used. These include mineral wool batting, denim insulation, other natural fibers, and radiant barriers. Mineral wool can still insulate when wet but is harder to find. Denim insulation is made from recycled jeans but is also not easy to find.
Other natural fibers, such as straw, hemp and cotton, can also be used as insulation. These provide an eco-friendly option but need to be treated with chemicals to prevent fire, mold and insect infestations. Radiant barriers aren’t really insulation but are made from reflective materials like aluminum foil that can help keep the heat away from your house. This makes it a good option for warmer climates.
Insulation Services in Sacramento
Insulating your attic is an important part of keeping you comfortable throughout the year and making your home energy-efficient. At Atticman Heating and Air Conditioning, Insulation, we specialize in insulation services and offer budget-friendly options for our customers. Our certified professionals can make sure your house is well-insulated and can also provide all of your HVAC needs. We are a locally owned and operated business and offer free estimates and a satisfaction guarantee. Whether you need new insulation, a new AC or heating system or new ductwork, or you want to go all-electric for your energy needs, we can provide top-quality service. Contact Atticman Heating and Air Conditioning, Insulation today to learn more about our insulation and HVAC services in Sacramento!
