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| The primary foundations in the United States are slab on grade, crawlspace, and basement. Basements can be a good choice for sites that slope steeply, in climates having cold winters and deep frost penetration. Although deeper excavation is required for structural reasons, the additional cost can result in a comfortable and habitable space. Basements are notorious for problems with water intrusion, cold temperatures, humidity, mold, and uncomfortable, if not unhealthy living conditions. A properly sealed, insulated and moisture protected basement will increase comfort, save energy, improve durability and reduce entry of moisture, soil gases, and other potential irritants or pollutants into the home. However, basement walls are one of the most controversial areas of a home .... http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/publications/pdfs/building_america/26455.pdf |
Insulate Your Ceilings And Attics
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| Insulating ceilings is one of the most cost effective energy efficient measures. In addition to reducing heat loss in the summer and heat gains in the summer, ceiling insulation improves comfort by bringing ceiling temperatures closer to room temperatures and providing an even temperature distribution throughout the house. Attic treatment and ventilation is also extremely important. When planning and managing ceiling insulation projects, make sure... http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/publications/pdfs/building_america/26450.pdf |
| With winter around the corner and energy prices on the rise (natural gas prices could rise as much as 30% to 50%), it is time to look at what can be done to lower those costs. The use of adequate and properly installed insulation is one of the least costly ways to cut energy costs. Properly sealed, moisture-protected and insulated walls help increase comfort, reduce noise, and save on energy costs. However, walls are the most complex component of the building envelop to insulate, air seal and control moisture. The keys to an effective wall are... http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/publications/pdfs/building_america/26451.pdf |
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Recommended Levels of Insulation
Insulation level are specified by R-Value. R-Value is a measure of insulation’s ability to resist heat traveling through it. The higher the R-Value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost-effective for different climates and locations in the home.
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Cost-effective Insulation R-Values for Existing Homesa |
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If you live in a climate that is... |
and your heating system is…b |
insulate to these levels in the… |
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ceiling |
wood-frame wall |
floor |
basement/ crawl space wallsd |
| Warm with cooling and minimal heating requirements (i.e., FL & HI; coastal CA; southeast TX; southern LA, AR, MS, AL & GA). |
gas/oil or heat pump
electric resistance |
R-22 to R-38
R-38 to R-49 |
R-11 to R-13
R-13 to R-25 |
R-11 to R-13
R-13 to R-19 |
R-11 to R-19
R-11 to R-19 |
| Mixed with moderate heating and cooling requirements (i.e., VA, WV, KY, MO, NE, OK, OR, WA & ID; southern IN, KS, NM & AZ; northern LA, AR, MS, AL & GA; inland CA & western NV). |
gas/oil or heat pump
electric resistance |
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R-11 to R-22c
R-11 to R-26c |
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R-11 to R-19
R-11 to R-19 |
| Cold (i.e., PA, NY, New England, northern Midwest, Great Lakes area, mountainous area (e.g., CO, WV, UT, etc.)). |
gas/oil
heat pump or electric resistance |
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R-11 to R-22c
R-11 to R-28c |
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R-11 to R-19
R-13 to R-19 |
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a. Adapted from the U.S. Department of Energy 1997 Insulation Fact Sheet.
b. Insulation is also effective at reducing cooling bills. These levels assume your house has electric air-conditioning.
c. R-values may be achieved through a combination of cavity insulation and rigid board insulation and are for insulation only (not whole wall).
d. Do not insulation crawl space walls if crawl space is wet or ventilated with outdoor air. | |
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