One of the more positive consequences of an economic downturn is the way people change their lifestyles and habits to be more frugal, save money and reduce unnecessary waste. If your home is not properly insulated, then you are doubtless spending too much money to cool it in the summer and heat it in the winter. There are lots of ways to reduce energy consumption and eliminate waste, but if you are building a new home or remodeling an existing one, there are few more important decisions you can make than what insulation to use.

There are many types of insulation on the market, with various component materials, "thermal resistance" ratings (more on that in a minute) and suggested uses. In fact, when you are choosing the right insulation for your needs you must keep in mind that you may need more than one kind, since you are likely to address several different insulating challenges. Use the basic information here as a springboard to a more in-depth assessment of what you really need, and get expert advice, too.

Understanding the "R" rating

The "R" rating (or "R-value") of insulation is a measure of thermal resistance, that is, how resistant a material is to heat flow. The higher the number, or R-value, the more resistance there is to that heat flow, meaning that a properly insulated wall will allow less heat to pass through than a poorly insulated one. Building codes around the country require varying R-values because of the natural differences in climate between, say, Arizona and New Hampshire.

Even in one region and within a single structure the R-values suggested for the floors, walls and attic may be different due to the different insulating requirements, the materials involved and the seasonal variations. All modern building codes contain requirements involving building insulation, and there are a range of regulations that vary, state to state, concerning allowable materials. Asbestos, for example, is no longer used for insulating materials because its dangers were finally established and the substance was essentially banned.

Popular types of insulation

Perhaps the most common insulating material is fiberglass, which usually comes in easily identified rolls. When this kind of insulation is cut into pre-determined lengths, those pieces are called "batts." You can think of batts as blankets (thick, pink, scratchy ones) that are placed between the studs of a framed wall, set between ceiling rafters or even stapled between floor joists. The thickness of the roll will determine the R-value, so you should never "smash down" a roll thinking that two pieces in the place of one will double the effect. In fact, this will lower the R-value, since fiberglass insulation works by trapping and warming the air in the honeycomb of spaces among the spun materials.

Another popular insulation material, particularly for attics, is blow-in (or "blown-in") insulation. Different kinds of shredded materials are blown into your attic and your walls, creating a sort of loose, fluffed-up blanket whose R-value can be determined by measuring the settled material. This insulation works well, but you should use something else if you will be using the attic regularly, since walking on it, displacing it and packing it down will reduce the R-value.

Progress in insulation materials

Foam insulation is available in several forms, from different sizes of solid boards to the liquid spray type. Foam insulation boards come in sheets of different thicknesses, often in a 4-foot x 8-foot size that can be cut quite easily with saw or utility knife to the particular size you want, even odd shapes as needed. Although the insulation value isn't quite as high, there are certain situations where its use is ideal, such as on concrete walls (to improve the R-value and create a moisture barrier) and beneath vinyl siding (to add another layer of insulation).

Spray foam insulation is a newer, more modern insulation product. In making comparisons between foam and fiberglass, you need to do it on a case-by-case basis after you read independent test results (not sales materials alone!) that demonstrate the R-value per inch of a specific product. If you want to achieve a certain R-value, you would do the math (or have your high-schooler do it) to arrive at the appropriate finished thickness. When asking about foam insulation remember that there are "open cell" foam products as well as "closed cell" ones. For the most part, closed cell foam insulation produces higher R-values per inch than either open-cell foam or fiberglass.

Spray foam has many advantages, among which are that it gets into every nook and cranny if you want it to, and is extremely efficient. Its cost is somewhat higher than other forms of insulation, but if you are making a "life of the home" kind of calculation, and have covered all the bases including energy conservation and "smart" appliances, it can be a component of a very cost-effective, long-term and planet-friendly construction or remodeling project.

Bottom line

If you maximize the energy efficiency of your living space, you will reap economic, environmental and even psychological benefits. Determine your needs, assess your "energy use" profile, project into the future carefully and make an informed decision. Wise, sustainable energy use is something you decide to do, and a lifestyle that you choose to live. Choosing the right insulation for your needs is an important first step in this process.