Most people know that the amount and quality of insulation makes a big difference in the energy efficiency of your home. There are hundreds of types of insulation. Its efficacy is measured by R value, which is a measure of the material’s resistance to temperature. The higher the R value, the greater the insulating power.

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Our Home Energy Evaluation shows you the type of insulation present and its R value, as well as the presence of Radiant Barrier and/or Air Barrier.

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Terms to Know:

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Radiant Barrier is a highly reflective material installed in attics that works to reduce the amount of radiant heat that is absorbed thereby reducing cooling costs. There are several different types: you’ll see it as a foil material, or a spray, or embedded in the board. Read more about radiant barrier here.

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Air Barriers are systems of materials built into your home to control the flow of air between conditioned and non-conditioned space. Most new-construction homes have air barriers built into the walls.

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Tips:

• 90% of homes in the US are under-insulated, according to Energy Star. So it’s likely you need to add insulation. Here’s a good guide: