30th October 2024


How Insulation Works to Keep Your House Cool

Insulation is an energy-efficient way to keep your home cool for the summer and warm in the winter.

Insulation serves as a reliable barrier against the ever-changing temperatures that infiltrate your home, safeguarding ceilings, roofs, floors and walls. This simple yet effective solution helps keep your home cosy during the winter chill and cool when the summer’s heat arrives. Additionally, by reducing condensation, insulation helps fend off the risks of dampness and mould. Let’s take a further look at what insulation is and how it contributes to creating an energy-efficient home.

What is insulation and how does it work?

Insulation is a layer of material that serves as a protective shield within the framework of your home, strategically placed within walls, ceilings, floors, and roofs to regulate the internal temperature. It makes it easier to keep your house cool in summer and warm in winter. Since most heat transfer occurs through the roof and ceiling, insulation is essential.

Insulation provides many benefits, but the main ones are that it effectively:

Does insulation keep heat out?

Insulation plays a big role in controlling the transfer of heat into your home. It keeps your home cooler by blocking outside heat from seeping in through walls, ceilings, and roofs. This means less need for blasting the AC and the potential of lower energy bills.

When to install insulation

Whether you’re renovating or building your home, installing insulation is a straightforward process that can be undertaken at any stage of construction. It’s best to consider insulation early in the planning phase to ensure optimal energy efficiency and comfort in your home. However, retrofitting insulation into existing structures is also possible and can enhance the thermal performance of your home.

Insulation and energy efficiency

Without insulation, your home leaks a lot of energy. A well insulated home can reduce the cost of heating and cooling to a home by around 40 to 50%. Insulation helps you:

  • Reduce your energy bill costs and save money
  • Use less energy
  • Improve the comfort of your home
  • Reduce the use of cooling and heating systems
  • Make your house more soundproof

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Types of insulation

In Australia, there are a range of different types of insulation to consider. Before diving in, it’s essential to seek guidance from a qualified builder or installer to pinpoint the best fit for your home. The main types of insulation include:

Ceiling and roof insulation

Without insulation in your ceiling or roof, you can lose around 40% of your cooling and heating energy. So, insulation may be incredibly beneficial if you are cooling or heating your veranda or garage. Similarly, insulating your veranda roof in hot climates helps reduce heat transfer, contributing to a cooler space below.

Wall insulation

Wall insulation is important in any climate, and it can typically save up to 15% of cooling and heating energy. If you don’t already have wall insulation or if your current insulation is insufficient, you can retrofit your walls to improve energy efficiency.

Floor insulation

Carpets provide effective insulation in cooler areas and can help increase comfort levels in the cooler months. However, in hotter climates, it may be best to forgo floor insulation as it could affect the natural ground cooling beneath your house.

Water pipes

If you are renovating or building your home, you can insulate the water pipes within your walls. You should insulate any exposed pipes and your water tank, as this reduces energy loss.

Bulk insulation

Bulk insulation is typically used in cooler climates because it creates a barrier between the inside and outside of your home. Bulk insulation is available in rolls, batts, and boards, and can be made from polyester, glass wool, recycled paper, or natural wood. Bulk insulation keeps heat inside in winter and outside in summer.

Reflective insulation

Reflective insulation is commonly used in warmer climates to keep homes cool during hot weather by deflecting heat. It is typically made from aluminium foil which is laminated onto plastic or paper. Reflective insulation can be combined with bulk insulation in areas which experience both hot and cold climates.

Deciding which insulation you choose will depend on a few factors such as where you live and whether you want to keep the heat out, in, or both. Factors such as building material, design, and orientation also influence your insulation options.

Choosing the right insulation

Insulation’s ability to resist heat leaking in or out is called its ‘R-value’. Matching the R-value of insulation products and installing it properly provides the same insulation level. The amount and level of insulation required depends on factors such as your home’s design and the climate.

Incorrect insulation can lead to insulation not achieving its stated R-value. Common mistakes include damaging and compressing insulation, and leaving gaps between batts or sheets. Proper installation is essential for ensuring that insulation performs effectively and provides the desired level of thermal protection for your home.

The final word

Insulation is a cost-effective and energy-saving way to regulate the temperature of your home. Whether you’re building or renovating your home, or simply replacing your old insulation, understanding how insulation works and choosing the right insulation for your needs is essential for creating a comfortable and energy-efficient living space.

Be sure to consult with a professional builder or installer before doing any insulation installations in your home.

References




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