If you have a hard time keeping your home warm during the winter months, you may be in need of additional insulation. While an HVAC technician at Harbin Heating and Air is the safest, most reliable contact for adding insulation, sometimes it may be convenient to handle it personally.
Knowledge is power!
Initially, you may need an HVAC technician to inspect your insulation and help determine your R-value, or how well insulation keeps heat inside or outside of your home, depending on the season. You’ll want to make sure you’re buying the appropriate insulation, because insulation that is too compressed or not compressed enough will prove useless.
You’ll also need to air seal before you insulate, ensuring any air leaks are properly sealed to keep heat from escaping your home.
Pro tip: Be sure to specifically check around plumbing and electrical areas where gaps may exist or grow.
Installing batt and roll insulation
The first step is to check the cavities where the insulation will fill. Measure the cavity, then add an extra half-inch up to a full inch – this will ensure your batt properly fits the entire area. Be sure the insulation fits snugly without compressing the studs themselves.
Use a utility knife to trim the batt, if necessary. Remember, compressing the insulation too much will work against your home’s energy efficiency!
Next, you’ll need to determine whether you require a vapor retarder, which reduces condensation and the possibility of mold. Apply sealant to plates and studs where sheets of insulation overlap, and be sure the tack the sheets into place.
Pro tip: Be sure to only add minimal insulation, and only as a temporary fix until a technician can come check your existing insulation.
Adding insulation, particularly when you can see holes and feel cold air, can be a quick DIY fix. For larger projects, assessments and evaluations, and spray foam insulation, contact Harbin Heating and Air today.
