Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have questions about insulation or home energy efficiency? Below you can find frequently asked questions about both.

Feel free to contact us if you can’t find an answer to your question!

Insulation FAQs

What are my insulation options?

There are several insulation materials available. The most common ones are:

Fiberglass
Cellulose
Spray foam
Radiant barrier

What does insulation do?

Insulation makes your home more energy-efficient by stopping heat transfer, meaning your home will stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Different types of insulation work in different ways — thermal insulation like fiberglass traps heat; radiant barrier, installed in the attic ceiling, helps your roof reflect heat from the sun.

Where should I insulate?

In general, it’s recommended to install insulation in your home’s walls, attic and crawl space. Talk to insulation professionals about the best solution for your specific situation.

How much insulation do I need?

There is no single correct answer. The amount of insulation you need depends on a few factors, including where you live, how big your home is, the type of HVAC equipment you have, etc.

What is R-value?

The R-value is a measurement of insulation’s resistance to heat flow. It depends on the material, thickness and density of the insulation. In general, higher R-values indicate a more effective insulation material.

How much can insulation save?

There is no single correct answer. The amount of insulation energy savings you’ll see depends on the insulation materials you use, the area of your home you insulate, the size of your house, etc.

What’s the difference between new construction and retrofit insulation?

New construction insulation refers to insulation installed in a new home being built, while retrofit insulation is used for existing homes. Insulation retrofitting is also called re-insulation. For both new construction and retrofit insulation projects, the same materials are generally used.

Does insulation reduce noise?

Yes, insulation reduces both airborne and impact noises. Cellulose and fiberglass insulation are the best types of insulation to use for sound control.

What is retrofit insulation?

Retrofitting a home or building with insulation is essentially re-insulating. New construction insulation is installed during the construction of a home or building. It is usually easier and more cost-effective to insulate a home or building that is being built, but sometimes retrofit insulation is required.

How is cellulose environmentally friendly?

Cellulose insulation consists of up to 80% to 85% recycled material — primarily newspaper — and it takes less energy to make than other types of insulation.

What is blanket insulation?

Blanket insulation is a commonly used type of insulation that comes in the form of batts or rolls. It consists of flexible fibers, usually fiberglass. Batts and rolls can also be made from mineral (rock and slag) wool, plastic fibers and natural fibers, such as cotton and sheep’s wool.

Where can I buy insulation?

Insulation is available at home improvement and hardware stores, but we think you should contact a local insulation company! This helps ensure the insulation is installed correctly and safely and ultimately does what it is meant to do — help increase your home’s energy efficiency and comfort.

I already have attic insulation — should I install a radiant barrier?

Yes, you may want to install radiant barrier insulation under your roof, even if you already have insulation in the attic. Here in Sacramento, CA, and other warm climates, installing both radiant barrier and thermal insulation in your attic can be cost-effective.

Energy Saving FAQs

How are air sealing and insulation related?

Air leaks can negate the effect insulation has on your home’s overall energy efficiency. Insulating a home full of air leaks is essentially the same as not insulating at all.

How can I detect air leaks?

Energy audits are one of the best ways to find air leaks because the auditing process uses specialized tools and methods, such as the blower door test. Common air leak sites include:

Windows and doors
Attics
Electrical outlets
Vents and fans

What is a home energy audit?

An energy audit is an assessment of your home’s energy efficiency and usage. It’s beneficial because it can show you exactly where your home is losing energy and how you can save money.

What are the benefits of home energy audits?

An energy audit shows you exactly where your home is costing you extra money — it’s a convenient solution to maximizing your home’s energy efficiency!