What is an R-value?
By ProMatcher Staff
What is an R-value?
An R-value measures the efficiency of insulation. The R-value is a rating of that material's ability to resist the flow of heat. If the insulation is well-equipped to resist the flow of heat, air is less likely to escape your home and your HVAC system will not have to work as hard.
High R-value, High-Efficiency
When shopping for insulation, you want to look for high R-value products. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating capacity of the product. For example, an R30 insulation is a much better insulator than an R15 insulation.
High quality insulation is typically more expensive, but a well-insulated home is more affordable to heat and cool. Although the initial cost can seem steep, the cost is generally offset by lower energy bills on a month-to-month basis.
Types of Insulation by R-value
- Fiberglass batt insulation typically has an R-value between 3 and 4 per inch
- Loose fill, blown-in fiberglass insulation typically has an R-value between 2 and 3 per inch
- Closed-cell, spray foam insulation typically has an R-value of 6 per inch or more
Does it matter where I live?
If you live in the Northeast or another area that experiences colder winters, you will want to invest in higher R-value insulation. This will ensure that your home stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
If you live in California or Arizona, installing insulation is less critical. However, you may want to consider installing reflective insulation in your roof or attic. This type of insulation reflects the sun's rays before they can be absorbed by your roof and into your attic. As a result, your air-conditioning unit does not have to work as hard to keep the house cool in the summer.
Finding the Right R-value
The R-value required for the insulation in your home will largely depend on the surrounding climate and your geographic location. Additionally, if you have an older home that tends to be drafty, you may want to consider installing additional insulation.
Also, certain areas of your home are more vulnerable to air leakage. For instance, you'll want to put insulation with a higher R-value in the attic or roof of your home. Your floors and walls typically require less insulation as they are less vulnerable to heat loss.
Related: 8 Reasons Why You Should Insulate Your Home
If you're ready to start your project now, ProMatcher can help you find insulation installers in your local area.
About the Author
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| ProMatcher Staff, ProMatcher
Orlando, FL 32803
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