Many people look for ways to save money on their utility bills, from using the air conditioner less to turning the thermostat down in the winter. While these can be good cost-saving measures, another way that may decrease your utility bills is ensuring your house or commercial building is well insulated.
How Insulation Works
Insulation works by blocking heat flow, either from the outside to the inside during warmer months or the inside to the outside during colder months. Insulation’s ability to mitigate heat flow is given a value, called an R-value, which measures its effectiveness. Different types of insulation have different R-values.
What Is the Best Insulation for You?
The type of insulation that’s best depends on what and where you are insulating. However, spray foam insulation can meet many insulation needs. Because the foam expands, it fills little cracks and holes that other types of insulation may not, thus creating a tighter seal against unwanted airflow. There are spray foam insulations that are water resistant, which means they will not absorb water when installed in damp places. This also means the insulation is less likely to develop mold and mildew. Of course, there are specifications with which it is applied, so it’s best to hire a professional. To find a professional, you can search spray foam insulation Maryland, or whichever state you live in, to research different insulation services near you.
Hiring an Insulation Service
It is important to leave insulation to the professionals because they can evaluate which type of insulation is appropriate, ensure they are meeting building and fire codes, and ensure the insulation is installed properly to meet its R-value. When hiring an insulation service, it is a good idea to check their certifications, what is included with their services and, if available, to ask for references.
You could save as much as 40 percent on your energy costs with spray foam insulation. If you are considering saving money on utilities or becoming more environmentally friendly, it’s an option to consider.
