If you want to get the most energy efficient use of your home, proper insulation is a must. In today’s expert interview, we speak with HomeLife Warranty Protection founders Dennis and Nicole Roehl about what areas need special attention.

Q: Today we welcome HomeLife Warranty Protection to our site to discuss ways proper insulation can save a homeowner from an uncomfortable situation.

HomeLife Warranty Protection: Thank you for choosing us.

Q: We know that homes are insulated. But why?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: Insulation works to keep the temperature and moisture levels in your home best suited for everyday living. And, sealing off air leaks also reduces your home’s energy efficiency footprint.

Q: What is the most important part of the home to insulate?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: There isn’t one area that’s more or less important. I would say, however, to start with the ceiling and walls and work your way around from there.

Q: How can a homeowner determine if they have enough insulation in the attic?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: Attics should be insulated with an R-30 value material, which equates to 11 inches of fiberglass or eight inches of cellulose insulation. Before adding these materials, it’s a good idea to check for any air leaks and seal your attic access.

Q: What is a radiant barrier?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: A radiant barrier is a reflective material used to reflect radiant heat. They are typically used in attics of homes in warmer climates to help keep cooling costs down.

Q: What type of insulation is ideal  for exterior walls?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: If a home is already finished, blown insulation is fine. This can be installed by what’s known as the dense pack technique. Blown insulation provides significant benefits with minimal disturbance to the rest of the house.

Q: Is it possible to insulate the floors above a heated garage?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: This is a very simple project that requires roll insulation and flexible metal rods which keep the insulation in place.

Q: Should the foundation be insulated?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: A well maintained and insulated foundation will keep any below-grade rooms comfortable and work to prevent insect infestation, radon, and moisture problems.

Q: What are some ways to insulate a basement so that it can be used as livable space?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: The interior wall should be insulated along with any exposed ductwork. Insulating basement walls minimizes thermal bridging and helps reduce condensation on hard surfaces below grade.

Q: Why do some insulation materials require fire-rated covering?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: Certain materials release toxic fumes when ignited and must be covered with a flame retardant.

Q: What are some different kinds of insulation?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: Batt and roll insulation, concrete blocks, foam board, loose fill, and spray insulation are all good choices. Insulated concrete blocks have gained popularity over the last 10 years in new construction.

Q: How should the crawlspace be insulated?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: That depends on whether it’s ventilated or unventilated. Unventilated crawl spaces should be sealed airtight. If you have a ventilated crawlspace, pay careful attention to the area below the floor, especially around air vents.

Q: Are there ways to add comfort to a home built on a concrete slab foundation?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: New construction should utilize insulated slab. It is extremely cost prohibitive to insulate the perimeter of an existing home, but it can help reduce heating bills by up to 20% in extremely cold regions.

Q: Does insulation really make a difference to my overall utility costs?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: Absolutely. Proper insulation can help homeowners save 30% or more in utility cost.

Q: What other improvements keep the home cool and comfortable?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: We would suggest installing ENERGY STAR-certified windows and doors and making sure your HVAC unit is inspected at least twice a year.

Q: That’s great advice. We appreciate your time today and thank you for joining A Gathering Of Experts.

HomeLife Warranty Protection: Our pleasure.