For homeowners who want to improve the effectiveness of their home aeration system, insulation is the most effective tool to use. Heating and cooling systems function better when the attic has been properly insulated. There will be a noticeable reduction in the consumption of energy by the household, with electricity bills being lowered by as much as 40 percent. Without the installation of the proper protection, homeowners may actually see their energy consumption increase.

Homeowners who want to learn more about this subject can increase the energy efficiency of their homes with their newly acquired knowledge and save some money. They will also have the ability to transform their entire house into a very comfortable place to live. By following the helpful information provided below, a better system can be discovered!

• Determine Needs - The easiest way to determine if a house needs more insulation is by going up into the attic and looking at the attic floor. If the existing system only comes to the top of the joists, this is an indication that more insulating materials may need to be added. If the joists are not visible and the existing material is well above the top of the joists, this could indicate that the system is still intact and does not require any changes.

• Know Types - Once a homeowner has determined the insulation needs of their home, it is wise to know the different types of insulating materials that are available. It should always be kept in mind that the best type of material is not necessarily the most expensive type. The best type may be the kind that is best suited for the needs of each individual home which could be more reasonably priced.

• Roll On or Blanket Type – This insulation is best for those homeowners who plan to do this process by themselves. The roll on or blanket type contains fiberglass batting and comes in either a15 or 23-inch width, which is designed to fit within the typical home framing. It is also best for attic floors when older material is already present, since it can be rolled over the top of the existing material. During the installation process, it is important not to compress the insulation so its properties are not destroyed.

• Loose Fill or Blown-In - Generally, this procedure is done by a roofing contractor. It is sprayed over the existing attic floor through the use of a machine. Loose fill cellulose elements are advantageous, especially for use in filling hard to access areas and small crevices.

• Sprayed Foam Polyurethane - This type is best for homeowners who plan to use their attic as a finished space. Sprayed foam polyurethane coats the roofing system, molds to the rafters, and blocks water vapor. This material also has a high R-rating per inch as compared to the components of other types of material; it is more expensive per square foot in comparison to the cost of some of the other kinds, such as loose fill and roll on.

When a homeowner has examined their attic to see if it needs more insulation and has realized that it does indeed need to have better protection, it is time to purchase the proper materials to do the job or hire a contractor to do the work to see that it is correctly done. Once the project has been completed, homeowners will undoubtedly see their energy bills drop significantly as well as be able to enjoy the comfort that a properly insulated attic can bring to the entire household!