Most people know that insulation keeps their home’s interior cool in the summer and warm in the winter. But did you know there could be more than one “right” type for your upstate New York house? Fiberglass, cellulose, and spray foam insulation offer excellent energy efficiency and comfort but are not created equal. Your choice can depend on climate, home type, environmental concerns, and the benefits you hope to achieve, such as sound and moisture control.
Isaac Heating and Air Conditioning offers high-quality heating and cooling services that deliver a more comfortable living environment and help you save on home energy bills — up to 15%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Since 1945, we’ve been committed to providing our customers with expert guidance on how to keep their homes well-insulated.
Different Kinds of Insulation To Choose From
Choosing the “right” insulation can be like picking the “perfect” outfit. From traditional fiberglass to eco-friendly cellulose, there’s a perfect match for every home. Let’s explore the options.
Blown-In Cellulose Insulation
Pros: Excellent thermal performance, good soundproofing, and environmentally friendly.
Cons: Can be messy to install and sometimes attracts pests if not properly treated.
Crafted from recycled paper products treated with fire retardants, blown-in cellulose is an environmentally friendly choice for new constructions and retrofits. It quickly fills gaps and difficult-to-reach areas, enhancing thermal performance and soundproofing. Its dense composition helps reduce air leakage, contributes to lower energy bills, and provides a more stable indoor climate.
Spray Foam Insulation
Pros: Superior air sealing, excellent thermal performance, and fills hard-to-reach spaces.
Cons: Higher cost and requires professional installation.
Spray foam is a high-performance polyurethane material that seals gaps and cracks in walls and roofs, acting as a robust thermal barrier. It expands upon application to fill inaccessible spaces such as HVAC ductwork, around pipework, and ceiling joists, ensuring superior air sealing and preventing air leakage. It also maintains its shape over time, making it a durable alternative to traditional fiberglass insulation for both new and existing homes.
Installing spray foam insulation requires specialized equipment, so it’s best to have a trained technician perform the work.
Blown-In Fiberglass Insulation
Pros: Affordable, simple to install, and good thermal performance.
Cons: Might settle over time, can be itchy, and isn’t ideal for damp areas.
Blown-in fiberglass insulation is cost-effective, easy to install, and provides good thermal performance for walls, attics, and ceilings. Its production process minimizes waste and enhances environmental performance, which, together with its nontoxicity, recyclability, and long lifespan, makes it an excellent choice for eco-conscious homeowners.
One drawback is that it can settle over time, making it less suitable for damp areas.
Which Insulation Is Right for Your Home?
To choose the best insulation for your home, consider each type’s different R-values and how they perform in various areas.
R-value measures an insulation material’s ability to resist heat flow. Higher values indicate better thermal performance. You can achieve optimal energy efficiency and comfort by selecting the appropriate insulation types for specific parts of your home. For instance:
- Spray foam has one of the highest R-values per inch, making it ideal for exterior walls and roofs where heat loss is most significant.
- Blown-in cellulose offers a more moderate R-value, meaning it’s typically best for applications like soundproofing attics and walls.
- Blown-in fiberglass has the lowest R-value of the three but remains popular due to its affordability and easy installation. Suitable applications include floors, doors, crawl spaces, and basements where higher levels of thermal resistance aren’t critical.
Combining insulation types can maximize your home’s energy efficiency and comfort, ensuring every inch is adequately insulated.
Choose Isaac Heating & Air Conditioning for Insulation Services
Do you still have more questions about home insulation? The friendly and professional Isaac team can help. Contact us today to learn about all our heating and cooling services and how choosing the right insulation can ensure optimal HVAC performance. Don’t forget to ask about our exclusive GoldCare Club membership, which provides regular maintenance checks and ongoing service.
Talk to the Isaac team today to learn which insulation fits your home’s unique needs.