One of the best ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency this winter is to increase the level of insulation. Not all insulation is the same, however, and different types are better suited for specific applications. Here’s a quick guide to choosing the right insulation for your home.

  • Blanket insulation: Also called batt or roll insulation and commonly made of fiberglass, this is the common type of layered, often pink-colored insulation used in unfinished walls, foundations, floors and ceilings. One or more layers of blanket insulation are frequently placed between wall and ceiling beams, studs and beams.
  • Loose fill: This type of insulation consists of small pellets made of cellulose or fiberglass. The pellets are used to literally fill openings and cavities that need insulation. Loose-fill insulation is commonly found in unfinished floors and walls. It is also a convenient solution for insulating areas that are difficult to reach with other types of insulation or that are irregularly shaped.
  • Spray foam and foam-in-place: This polyurethane or plastic foam is sprayed into place using pressurized spraying equipment. It easily fills wall cavities and unfinished floors. Spray foam is sometimes used to seal pipe joints and is another good solution for insulating hard-to-reach spaces.
  • Rigid foam board: Polystyrene or polyurethane board can be used to insulate unfinished floors, ceilings, roofs and walls. Rigid foam board is also used to insulate ductwork systems to prevent energy loss. Check with your local trusted HVAC contractor to see if there are any fire safety or building code requirements for using foam board insulation.
  • Reflective insulation: This insulation is made of foil-coated heavy paper, plastic film or cardboard. The reflective foil surface insulates by reflecting heat away from the interior of your home. It’s used in unfinished walls, floors and ceilings, and can be installed between wall and ceiling joists, studs and beams.

Comfort Systems offers a combined 120 years of experience in heating, air conditioning and plumbing services in the Wichita area. Contact us today for more information on insulation and for expert help choosing the insulation that will work best for your home this winter.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Wichita, Kansas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about insulation and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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