How does R-Value work and affect a home’s energy efficiency
Choice of insulation needs a lot of research. Installing the right kind of insulation will significantly reduce the energy consumption of your house. It is essential you choose an insulation that gives a strong R-value to improve the thermal resistance of your house. The improved R-value of the house plays a vital role in reducing energy consumption.
What is R-value? R-value is the measure of thermal resistance used in the building and construction industry. The higher the R-value the better is the thermal resistance of the building. Many a times the building tends to lose its R-value over a period of time. An insulation of high R-value will increase the thermal resistance of the building. Thus choosing insulation with higher R-value will make a huge difference to the environment at home and energy bills you pay each month.
R value insulation ratings are used to measure insulations ability to resist heat flow. The higher the resistance the better is the effect of the insulation. Thus insulation needs to be purchased as per its R value, not thickness or weight.
The R-value your insulation holds makes all the difference in the heating and cooling of your house. As an insulator with high R-value can prevent the heat outside from entering your house the temperature within remains cool and you abstain from over using the air–conditioner during summer to cool your house. Similarly during winter the warm air generated by the heater remains within the house and does not transfer out due to the high R-value. Thus with a controlled environment at home and no transfer of heat you reduce the use of HVAC appliances. This trims down the bill amount you get each month.
The R-value required for every house depends on the climate and temperature of the area. Also different places of the house need to be insulated with different R-values. Like the insulation requirement of the attic of your house would be different from the kitchen. On an average an insulation with R-value of R-12 is ideal for basement insulation in North America.
Spray foam insulation is leading product in the market that provides and R-value of 6. The thermal envelop created by spray foam not only saves energy but also keeps the house dust free, water proof and fire resistant. Spray foam is expensive as compared to the other insulations in the market as it requires professional help for the installation. But the cost is recovered from the savings you make on the energy bills. EcoStarFoam.com is a leading service provider for spray foam insulation. Our team of professionals use durable spray foam of various well known brands to cover every cavity in your house and make your home energy efficient. Our service is well known in New Orleans, Louisiana and surrounding area.
Tags: home energy efficiency, R Value, Spray Foam Insulation