Insulation for the home is an important economical step that can be taken to maximize energy efficiency and cut down on energy costs. Attic insulation is one important area of concern, as it separates the living space from the attic temperature. This is something that can be done as the home is being built or as a retrofit. Blown-in fiberglass attic insulation for the home is the best method of retrofitting.

Some of the advantages to blown-in fiberglass attic insulation are:

• The 30 to 40 year lifespan

• No added chemicals

• Free of formaldehydes

• It covers better than other methods with very little dust or mess

• Energy Star rating qualifies the homeowner for a considerable tax break

• Greatly improves comfort

• Creates a healthier environment

• Sharply reduces energy bills

The basis for what makes up fiberglass batts and blowing wool is silica, a natural compound found in sand and quartz. Silica is melted and then spun into the glass fibers that make up fiberglass blowing wool. It’s these fibers that constitute the 2.5 to 2.8 per inch R-value, or thermal resistance. Fiberglass blowing wool, which feels more like cotton fiber than a glass fiber, is delivered by a specialized machine that comes equipped with a hopper. There are machines that can push up to 135 bags of loose insulation per hour equipped with an engine, a blower and a hose to deliver the material. This blown-in process forces the fiberglass insulation material into attics or into the wall cavities.

It is important to apply the material evenly as fluctuations in thickness will result in non-uniform R-values. The thermal performance is directly related to the insulation’s ability to trap and contain very small pockets of air. When airflow is allowed to channel, the drafts created are what affect the temperature and keeps a house from staying warm in winter and cool in the summer. Blown-in fiberglass attic insulation creates the seamless blanket that will prevent the drafts and help maintain a temperature constant. For these reasons and the potential risk of falling through the ceiling into the living spaces below, it is best to have a professional install blown-in fiberglass attic insulation.

The home that is insulated with fiberglass wool becomes a cost-effective energy saver, reducing heating and cooling charges. With as many as 80 percent of homes built prior to 1980 being under-insulated, that’s 46 million homes, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. When properly installed, blown insulation typically provides better coverage and protections than that of batt insulation. After installing blown-in attic insulation for the home, owners have been known to achieve an average reduction in energy usage of as much as 40 percent.