Insulation is interesting – people sort of know what it is, but when asked to explain what insulation actually is, they often draw a blank. Some people will wonder if insulation is still legal because they associate it with asbestos. Other people will tell you that it’s the pink stuff behind the walls of a house. There are even some people that have no idea insulation is the only way a home can stay protected from the outside temperatures and elements. When it comes down to it, insulation comes in many different forms – from the traditional pink rolls of insulation you find in most homes to foam insulation that is literally sprayed behind walls. So, what areas of your home should you insulate?
- Your attic. Your attic is an essential place to insulate because much of the energy that you expend from your air conditioner or heater will rise and escape through your attic and out of your roof. You can actually waste a lot of energy this way. Plus, re-insulating your attic can also prevent leaks.
- Your hot water heater. Insulating your hot water heater is important because it will ensure that the water in your tank heats stays warmer for longer. One of the biggest energy wasters in a home is the hot water heater because it takes a lot of power to re-heat water. You can very easily add a layer of insulation over your water heater so that it retains warmth and doesn’t have to put out any more energy. You can visit a home supply shop and purchase specific hot water heater insulating sheets that can be pulled right over the tank.
- Your water main. After hiring a re-piping plumbing service, you may want to protect your pipes by insulating them. This is especially important if your pipes have a habit of bursting in the cold winter temperatures. Insulating the main pipe is important because you want to ensure that it doesn’t become frozen. A frozen pipe can led to a burst pipe, and that can be a nightmare for any homeowner.
- Your outlets. Most people don’t even think about insulating their outlets. However, our outlets are often the biggest source for energy leakage and drafts. In order to insulate your outlets, all you have to do is purchase some foam insulation from a hardware store. Insulating is as simple as spraying the insulation around the inside of the outlet. This will ensure that the drafts and leaks are sealed. Afterward, you can plug the faceplate back in.
- Your walls. Of course, your walls are another essential place to insulate. You want to make sure that any wall that lines the perimeter of your home has a layer of insulation with the correct R-value. The R-value is simply a way to classify insulation according to the climate region where you live. In the end, your home should have ample insulation when you move in, but you may want to make sure by doing a simple knock test – the last thing you want is to go through a winter in an under-insulated home.