The winter months are getting colder, and a reason for this is climate change. Most states received above-average temperatures last year, which is good, but the weather greatly affected those that didn’t have these temperatures. Unfortunately, experts believe that this won’t be the same forecast this year, and it’s possible that the temperatures could drop significantly in some areas. Because of this, it’s more important than ever to ensure your home is adequately insulated. Here are five ways you can modernize your home’s insulation:
Use New Insulation Materials
The insulation of your home greatly depends on the materials you use. If you’re still using fiberglass insulation, it might be time to upgrade to newer material. Fiberglass is known for being itchy and difficult to install, so you might want to consider something else. Some more recent materials include cellulose, wool, and spray foam insulation. However, one of the best right now is Rockwool.
Rockwool is made of stone, making it environmentally friendly and sustainable. Robust Rockwool insulated panels are fire-resistant and don’t hold moisture, so they’re great for homes in humid climates. It’s also great for states that receive a lot of wildfires like California. Additionally, it’s easy to install and doesn’t require professional help.
Install Insulation in the Attic
One of the best places to insulate your home is in the attic. The attic is where most of the heat escapes, so it’s vital to ensure it’s adequately insulated. Attic insulation can also reduce noise from outside and inside the home. When installing insulation in the attic, make sure to use faced insulation. Faced insulation has a paper or foil facing that acts as a vapor barrier. This will prevent moisture and mold from growing in the insulation.
You can use all sorts of materials for the attic. As stated earlier, Rockwool is a prime choice. However, you can also use other forms of insulation like fiberglass, cellulose, and spray foam. The important thing is that the insulation is installed correctly, so it doesn’t fall out or sag over time.
Smart Devices
You can also use smart devices to help with your home’s insulation. Smart thermostats, for example, can save you money on your energy bill by automatically adjusting the temperature when you’re not home. They can also learn your schedule and make adjustments accordingly.
There are also smart insulating curtains that you can buy. These curtains are made of a thick fabric that helps keep the heat in during the winter and cool air in during the summer. They can be controlled with a smartphone app and are easy to install.
If you have HVAC, you can also use smart devices to control it. Smart vents, for example, can close off rooms that aren’t being used and redirect the air to where it’s needed most. As a result, it can save you money on your energy bill and help regulate the temperature in your home.
There are tons of benefits of having smart devices for insulation. These benefits include money savings, energy efficiency, and temperature regulation.
Update Your Windows
One of the biggest culprits of heat loss is old windows. If your home has single-pane windows, they’re not doing much to keep the heat in. So you might want to consider upgrading to double-pane windows. Double-pane windows have two layers of glass that help insulate your home better. They’re also more energy-efficient and can help reduce noise from outside.
Another option for updating your windows is to add window film. Window film helps reflect heat into your home and can be applied to single- and double-pane windows. It’s also easy to install and remove so that you can take it off during summer.
Look for Air Gaps
Air gaps are openings around doors and windows that let in outside air. These gaps can cause your home to lose heat, so it’s essential to seal them up. Weatherstripping or caulk can seal these gaps and prevent heat from escaping.
Caulking is a sealant that helps fill gaps and cracks around windows and doors. This prevents heat from escaping through these openings. Weatherstripping is similar but uses foam or rubber strips to seal these openings.
You can also use door snakes, which are long strips of fabric placed at the bottom of your door. Door snakes help prevent drafts and can be easily removed when you want to open your door.
There are lots of ways to modernize your home’s insulation. Updating your home’s insulation can save money on your energy bill, stay comfortable all year round, and help the environment. So don’t wait. Start insulating your home today!
