Do you look forward to winter and the fun it brings, or do you shiver just thinking about bitter cold temperatures, piles of snow, and slippery ice? Many Pennsylvania residents fall somewhere in the middle. But everyone can agree that winter is a lot more enjoyable inside a snug, cozy home without soaring energy bills.
The best way to achieve a comfortable home is with proper insulation. In this blog post we’ll explore the importance of energy efficiency and building a cost effective, well-insulated home for future homeowners to enjoy.
Why Insulation Matters in Pennsylvania
Before we dive into insulation solutions, it’s important to understand heat loss and energy savings. Heat naturally moves from warm areas of a home to cold areas through three main processes: conduction (through solid materials), convection (through air movement), and radiation (through space).
Without properly maintained insulation, your building project’s heating system will work overtime, wasting energy and increasing future homeowners’ monthly expenses. But efficient insulation and air sealing will help prevent heat loss, maintain a pleasant indoor temperature, reduce the home’s carbon footprint and lower future energy bills. You can be confident that you are turning over a quality, energy-saving home to future homeowners.
Types of Insulation
When building a new home in Pennsylvania, choosing the right insulation materials is critical for long-term cost-effective performance. Each insulation material has a different R-value, which is a measure of an insulation’s thermal resistance or insulating power. Talk to an insulation expert about which insulation is best for each part of your building project.
Here are some of the top insulation options to help homeowners stay warm throughout the winter months:
Fiberglass Insulation
- Made from recycled glass fibers
- Most common and economical choice
- Easy to install in standard wall cavities
- Excellent for maintaining consistent heating air flow
- Comes in both batt and loose fill form (for blown in applications)
Cellulose Insulation
- Made from recycled paper products
- Superior sound dampening properties
- Effectively prevents warm air escape
- Comes in loose-fill form
Spray Foam Insulation
- Highest R-value (thermal resistance) rating
- Creates an airtight seal
- Ideal for irregular spaces and hard-to-reach areas
- Insulates and air seals in one step
- Requires specialized equipment for installation
- Most expensive option
Mineral Wool Insulation
- Made from inorganic fibers, making it naturally fire resistant
- Can be used in the same way as fiberglass insulation
- Comes in batts, rolls, or loose-fill
- Easy to install
Rigid Foam Board Insulation
- Made of polystyrene, polyisocyanurate or polyurethane
- Ideal for small spaces
Key Areas to Insulate in Your Home
Attic
Warm air rises and heads straight to the attic and up through the roof. In fact, the attic is responsible for up to 25% of heat loss in most homes. Proper insulation here, whether blown-in or batt, is essential for maintaining indoor temperatures.
Walls
Once walls are constructed and closed in, it becomes a challenge to insulate them. New construction offers the perfect opportunity to install high-performance wall insulation before drywall installation, ensuring maximum energy efficiency. Blown-in or batt insulation are ideal choices for exterior and interior wall insulation.
Basements and Crawl Spaces
These often creepy, often overlooked areas can significantly impact a home’s thermal envelope. Installing proper insulation will prevent cold air infiltration from below and keep the floor and rooms above at a comfortable temperature.
Windows and Doors
Complement your insulation strategy with weather stripping and caulking around openings to prevent drafts and maintain consistent indoor temperatures.
Professional Installation vs. DIY
While some builders may be tempted to handle insulation themselves, professional installation ensures optimal performance and safety. Professionals, such as Liberty Insulation, understand local energy codes, proper installation techniques, and can recommend the most effective solutions for your specific situation. They also have access to specialized equipment for installing materials like spray foam insulation.
If you do choose to tackle insulation installation yourself, be sure to follow all safety precautions and wear the appropriate safety gear. Also, take your time to ensure proper installation to guarantee maximum insulation effectiveness.
Pennsylvania Incentives and Resources for Energy Efficient Homes
As you consider the best insulation for your new home project, don’t forget to take advantage of the various energy incentives Pennsylvania offers for both builders and homeowners.
- Check out the available federal tax credits for energy efficient building materials through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
- Explore energy rebates from local utility companies such as FirstEnergy.
- View the list of Energy Financial Incentives for PA Residents that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania compiled.
- Visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) to see an expansive list of policies and incentives in PA and other U.S. states.
Stay Warm and Save Money
Investing in quality insulation during new construction is one of the most effective ways to ensure long-term comfort and reduced energy bills for future homeowners. Now is the best time to create an energy efficient home that will stay warm and comfortable for years to come.
Our expert team at Liberty Insulation specializes in insulation for new residential construction as well as commercial and retrofit applications. Builders and contractors count on us for effective insulation solutions and top-notch installation. Contact us today to learn more about insulation for your York building project.
Bonus Info: 10 Tips to Winterize Your Pennsylvania Home
As you work to build a properly insulated, winter ready home for others, don’t forget to take the time to ensure your home is winter ready too. Here’s a checklist to help you prepare for the winter months.