Insulation Perth provides resistance to heat flow, which reduces heating and cooling costs. It restricts the flow of conduction, convection, and radiation.
Good insulation contains non-metallic materials filled with air pockets. Foamed plastics and polystyrene are examples. The air pockets make them efficient insulators. Electric currents cannot pass through them easily because the atoms are tightly bound.
Insulation is a key component in lowering energy costs by slowing heat transfer. Typically installed in walls and attics, insulation acts as a barrier, keeping the warmth in during winter and out during summer, significantly decreasing reliance on heating and cooling systems. A well-insulated home will reduce energy consumption by an average of 15% and save money on utility bills.
Heat moves in three ways – conduction, convection, and radiation. Insulation stops these transfers by creating an effective resistance to the flow of thermal energy, similar to the way that cats fluff their fur or birds spread their feathers to retain heat. This is why a correctly specified and installed insulation system is so important – ensuring the right product is used in your climate, and that it is correctly installed to minimise condensation problems.
In homes with inadequate insulation, a significant amount of heat is lost through air leaks, which are often around windows and doors, electrical outlets and recessed lighting. The installation of insulation and sealing these air gaps is a quick and easy fix to increase the overall energy efficiency of your home.
An insulated home is also easier to cool, so fewer power bills are needed to achieve the same temperature. Adding insulation during the construction phase is cost-effective and also easier than adding it to existing buildings.
The ability of an insulation material to resist conductive heat flow is measured using a grading system known as R-Value, with higher R-Values indicating greater insulating effectiveness. The National Construction Code (NCC) and BASIX set minimum R-Values for various areas of a building or dwelling, but it is always advisable to exceed these to maximise energy savings.
Reduced Draughts
Draughts are created when air passes from inside your home to the outside due to differences in pressure and warm air escaping through gaps around doors and windows. Draughts are unpleasant and often lead to higher energy bills. By stopping the escape of warm air you can reduce heating costs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Most homes have draughts in areas like under doors, near the letterbox or where there is a gap behind the door. Often these draughts can be eliminated with simple draught proofing kits. These kits include door sausages to stop draughts from under external doors and weather stripping to keep warm air in the home.
The simplest way to identify draughts is to do a visual inspection of your home. Look for areas where different materials meet, such as gaps around the edges of windows and doors or where skirting meets walls. Also, look for areas where pipes and cables enter or leave your house. Gaps can be filled with silicone sealant or expanding polyurethane spray foam. Some states offer rebates for professionally installed draught-proofing while concession card holders can access free materials.
Aside from reducing your energy costs, draught-proofing can help create a more comfortable living environment. It stops cold air entering your home and warm air escaping, creating a more stable indoor temperature that helps to avoid condensation and dampness. It can also improve indoor air quality by reducing the amount of dust, pollutants, and allergens that enter your home.
As the world seeks sustainable living practices, it’s important to do your part by lowering your energy usage. Insulation is a great way to do this as it slows warm air from escaping your home in the winter and prevents heat from entering your home in the summer. Insulating your home is easy with Heatio Flexx, Australia’s easiest and most affordable DIY insulation kit.
Reduced Noise
Insulation keeps noise levels low and is the key to creating a quieter space. Noise can be caused by snoring, neighbours or traffic, but good quality insulation absorbs the sound and limits it from travelling between rooms, walls, and floors. This makes it easier to work, relax, and sleep peacefully.
Most types of insulation work by trapping pockets of air within its fibres. This air forms a barrier or resistance to heat flow, and the higher the R-value, the better the insulation. Insulation materials vary from mineral wool to cellulose and fiberglass, and they may contain chemicals or asbestos (which has been banned due to health concerns).
The most common types of insulation are batts, rolls, spray foam and loose-fill cellulose. Insulation is installed by cutting it to size and placing it between framing like studs and joists or by spraying it wet into the wall cavity or attic space using special equipment. Proper safety gear, including eye protection and a facemask, is recommended for all insulation installations.
Electrical insulation is also available, and it works by preventing the transfer of electricity through a wall or floor. This prevents damage to appliances and reduces the risk of fire. Some insulation combines non-metallic materials with small air spaces, such as magnesium carbonate, cork, felt and fiberglass.
Proper insulation can be installed anywhere in a building, but it is especially useful in the attic. It reduces energy costs, improves comfort, and helps protect against moisture damage and mold. It can even increase the property value of your home.
Reduced Health Risks
Insulation reduces the risk of condensation, mold and high indoor temperatures that can lead to health problems like asthma, dry throat, eye irritation, coughing, shortness of breath and more. Insulation can also stop the transfer of sound between rooms, which can make your home quieter and more comfortable.
Old and deteriorating insulation is often made with hazardous materials such as asbestos, which can pose serious health risks. If you’re not sure about the state of your insulation, have it evaluated by a professional before it becomes a problem. Having your existing insulation upgraded can significantly improve the safety and comfort of your home.
Various studies have shown that living in insulated homes leads to better overall health and well-being. One study showed that people in insulated homes had improved self rated health, less wheezing, fewer days off school or work and reduced use of exacerbation sensitive medications (234).
Insufficient or outdated insulation can cause moisture to build up inside walls, attics, and ceiling cavities. This can contribute to a number of health issues including mildew, mold and respiratory problems. Insulation helps prevent this by reducing air leaks and keeping humidity levels consistent throughout the house.
Insulation that doesn’t contain toxic chemicals is also a great way to keep your home healthy. Avoid spray foam insulation that contains flame retardants, formaldehyde or asbestos and look for Greenguard-certified products that have lower levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Ecotelligent Homes uses cellulose insulation, which has binding material that is added to limit inhalation risk. This material is typically sourced from post-industrial scrap denim, sheep’s wool and hemp. It also has a lower hazard level than fiberglass, rock and slag wool insulation which can have inhalation risks as well.
Increased Value
Insulation reduces the transfer of heat and cold, making a house more comfortable to live in. It is also a green technology with a low environmental impact. It is one of the few products that pay back its initial investment within a short time and continues to lower operating costs for the life of the building.
When choosing insulation for your home it is important to select the appropriate R value for your climate and construction type. The higher the R value, the greater its insulating capacity. There are several types of insulation including bulk, reflective and composite. Bulk insulation uses air pockets within a thick material to slow the flow of heat. Reflective and composite insulation use reflective surfaces to prevent the re-radiation of heat and are often used in conjunction with bulk insulation for maximum performance. Insulation is also available in fire-rated versions that are rated to withstand high levels of heat and smoke without the need for air ventilation.
Proper attic and wall insulation is essential in preventing condensation in your home, which can be a major contributor to mould growth and other health issues. Insulation also helps to limit the movement of heat, which is particularly important when it comes to hot water heaters and steam pipes. It is a good idea to insulate any plumbing penetrations through walls, floors or ceilings as well.
When selecting insulation, look at the product specifications to check that it is made from recycled materials. Ask about the environmental certifications it has been awarded and look for a rating system that compares the energy efficiency of different insulation products. You can also find information on how a particular product performs in terms of resistance to moisture, which is critical in humid conditions.