Get your insulation right

Extra insulation is a sure way to increase your existing home's indoor climate comfort while also decreasing energy bills. But, "think pink" isn't the only answer when it comes to picking the perfect insulation for your home's needs.

While traditional fiberglass batts are a popular choice among homeowners, there are several different types of insulation materials to properly insulate your home. The U.S. Department of Energy claims that with the right materials, owners can reduce their heating and cooling costs by as much as 30 percent.

The three main categories of insulation commonly used are fiberglass, cellulose fiber and foam materials.

Fiberglass, most commonly used, comes in a variety of product types, including unfaced, faced and poly-encapsulated batts and rolls, and both loose fill (blown-in) or spray-applied varieties. Cellulose insulation, which is primarily made from recycled newspaper, can be blown-in or spray-applied. And foam insulation, including open-cell and closed-cell foam, is sprayed in place.

Which is the best material for your home? That depends on your goals, the areas in which you require extra insulation and your budget, says Bruce Harley, technical director for Conservation Services Group, an energy services firm in Westborough, Mass.

"Fiberglass batts are cheapest but actually take much more care to install properly than most people bother with," he says. "Blown or loose-fill products have a big advantage in attic spaces in that they cover everything, settling into cracks and gaps between existing insulation pieces and forming a continuous layer. Sprayed urethane foams are great because they seal the air leaks as they go in, but they are expensive."

For existing homes, it's important to carefully consider the area that will be insulated, Hamilton advises. "

Cellulose insulation is a wise choice for renovation projects where full open access to the wall studs or the attic is not possible, says Christopher Colby, a principal at Spire Architecture in Millbrook, N.Y. "Cellulose can be blown into wall cavities or hard-to-reach attic spaces. It's also one of the most environmentally friendly insulations on the market because of its highly recycled content. Over time, however, cellulose could suffer from settling, which causes air leaks."

Spray foam, however, is not only a solid insulator, "but it also stops air infiltration, creating an air-tight structure," says Colby.

Colby says that fiberglass costs anywhere from $1.75 to $2 per square foot. Spray foam insulation, which typically needs to be applied by a professional, runs closer to $2.50 per square foot for a six-inch-thick layer. Cellulose usually falls somewhere in the middle and, like fiberglass, can be installed yourself.

"Between blown-in fiberglass and blown-in cellulose," says Harley, "I prefer cellulose because it settles more easily to a normal density during installation, which helps ensure that you get the R-value you're paying for."

An "R-value" is a measure of thermal resistance. The higher the R-value number on an insulation product, the greater its effectiveness at insulating. The number you need depends on the location in your home; the attic should have the highest, while the basement needs the lowest."

Moreover, according to data from Harvard's Center for Public Health, 65 percent of all U.S. homes are under-insulated. If your home was built more than five years ago, there's a good chance you stand to benefit from upgrading your home's insulation, says Mark Ziegert, senior brand and marketing communications manager for Johns Manville, an insulation and roofing company in Denver..

"The savings could be significant," he says. "The typical household spends about $1,500 annually on utility bills, and nearly half of that is spent on heating and cooling costs. Also, the right insulation can create a quieter, more comfortable living environment because it absorbs sound transmitted through walls and floors."

As further incentive to add to or improve your home's insulation, Ziegert notes that in 2010, homeowners can qualify for a tax credit of up to $1,500 or 30 percent of the purchase price of insulation or other qualified energy efficiency products.