Insulating your home is one of the best ways to save energy and money—not to mention improve interior comfort all year long. But how does insulation work? How does it conserve energy? Keep reading this blog post!
How Insulation Works
Insulation Slows Conduction
Conduction is when heat flows through an object. Some materials are more conductive than others, which is why a metal spoon placed in a cup of hot chocolate will heat up more than a plastic one.
Thermal insulation—like fiberglass and cellulose—is very effective at blocking this form of heat transfer. The extent to which it blocks conduction is called its thermal resistance value, or R-value. Generally, thicker and denser insulation has a higher R-value and is therefore better at insulating your home.
Insulation Slows Convection
Convection is the reason warm air rises while cool air sinks. In the winter, air heated by your furnace rises to the ceiling. Without attic insulation, this heat would rise up and out of your home, which can cause your energy bills to skyrocket. Insulation most effectively helps prevent convection when it densely fills building cavities, such as wall studs and floor joists.
Insulation Helps Block Radiant Heat
A non-thermal form of insulation called a radiant barrier works to block radiant heat flow. Radiant barriers are reflective-coated films often installed on the underside of the roof or as the top layer of insulation on the attic floor to help the roofing reflect rather than absorb heat from the sun.
The radiant barrier under the roof helps reduce the amount of radiant heat in the attic, and the barrier on the attic floor reflects heat away from the living space, thus helping to keep it cooler.
San Diego & L.A. Area Insulation Contractors
When it comes down to it, insulation is all about maintaining a temperature difference between the inside and outside without needing to overwork your HVAC system. Now that you know how insulation helps conserve energy, do you want to add more to your home? Contact OJ Insulation today to learn more about our services or to get a free estimate!
