Since 2014 when EEG started we have been in conversation with over 15,000 homeowners in Australia. We have summed up below 25 most commonly asked questions regarding Insulation.
The Most Commonly Asked Questions About Insulation
What types of insulation are available?
What R-value should I aim for?
How much will it cost to insulate my home?
How long will it take to recoup the cost of insulation through energy savings?
Which areas of my home should be insulated?
Can I install insulation myself or do I need a professional?
How does the insulation installation process work?
What are the benefits of insulation for my home?
Are there any tax credits or rebates available for insulation installation?
How does insulation affect indoor air quality?
Can insulation be added to existing walls, or do I need to remove drywall?
What are the fire safety considerations when installing insulation?
How does insulation affect the soundproofing of my home?
Can I use natural materials for insulation, such as wool or cotton?
What are the environmental benefits of insulation?
Can insulation help to prevent mold growth?
How does insulation affect my home’s resale value?
What is the R-value of the insulation currently in my home?
How do I know if I have enough insulation in my attic?
Are there specific types of insulation that are better suited to certain climates?
How often should insulation be inspected or replaced?
Can I install insulation in a new home during the construction process?
Can insulation be installed on a metal roof?
How does insulation impact the overall thermal performance of my home?
How does Insulation affect HVAC system?
Here are the Answers to these questions!
What types of insulation are available?
Common types of insulation include fiberglass, cellulose, spray foam, and rigid foam. Each type has its own set of pros and cons, and the right choice for your home will depend on factors such as the area of your home that needs insulation and your budget. We prefer an Earthwool (engineered glasswool) Batts, as its certified, long lasting, environmentally friendly, sustainable, and cost effective. We also provide Spray foam in situations that require premium airtight requirements.
What R-value should I aim for?
The recommended R-value for insulation varies depending on where you live, the type of insulation and the area of your home. Typically, HIA recommends an R-value of at least R4 for Roofs and R1.5 to R2.5 for walls. It all aimed to ensure the building meets a specific energy rating of greater that 4 upto 7 star.
How much will it cost to insulate my home?
The cost to insulate a home can vary greatly depending on the size and layout of the home, the type of insulation used, and whether the work is done by a professional or as a DIY project. Expect to pay anywhere from $1,800 to $4,500 or more for a typical home insulation project.
How long will it take to recoup the cost of insulation through energy savings?
The length of time it takes to recoup the cost of insulation through energy savings can vary depending on several factors, including the cost of insulation, the cost of energy in your area, and the level of insulation already in your home. A rough estimate is 2-5 years.
Which areas of my home should be insulated?
Typically, attics, walls, floors, and crawl spaces are the most common areas of a home that need insulation. Always focus on the largest spaces first ie. Roofs. Then for added protection, look to walls & floors.
Can I install insulation myself or do I need a professional?
Some types of insulation, such as fiberglass batts, can be installed by a DIYer. However, other types, such as spray foam, should be installed by a professional to ensure proper installation and safety. We strongly recommend not DIYing Insulation, as if it's installed incorrectly its performance becomes obsolete. it's also a dangerous endeavour when crawling in roof spaces.
How does the insulation installation process work?
The insulation installation process depends on the type of insulation used, but typically involves measuring the area to be insulated, cutting the insulation to fit, and installing it in the designated area.
What are the benefits of insulation for my home?
Insulation will reduce energy costs, improve indoor air quality, reduce noise from outside, and increase the overall comfort of a home. It will save you a lot of money in the long-term as you don't need to rely on constant heating and cooling of your home.
Are there any tax credits or rebates available for insulation installation?
It depends on the state and federal incentive programs, you can check on the Australian Department of Housing and Sustainability website or local government.
How does insulation affect indoor air quality?
Insulation can actually improve indoor air quality by preventing drafts and reducing the infiltration of pollutants and allergens from outside. We install Glasswool Batts when are specifically designed to be non irritant and pollutant.
Can insulation be added to existing walls, or do I need to remove drywall?
In some cases, insulation can be added to existing walls without removing drywall, but it may be more effective to remove the drywall first. We use specialised equipment called Cavity Wall insulation that can be retrofitted into existing wall cavities. see www.cavitywallinsulation.com.au
What are the fire safety considerations when installing insulation?
Proper installation and maintaining the insulation quality is important for fire safety. Make sure to follow manufacturer's instructions and building code regulations. We use Knauf Insulation Earthwool which is codemarked to meet all correct building codes and standards. You need to insure that the insulation is installed correctly, as the way its installed is a major factor to the fire risk of the home.
How does insulation affect the soundproofing of my home?
Insulation can help reduce noise from outside, but it may not be enough on its own to soundproof a home. Other steps, such as adding mass to walls or installing acoustic panels, may also be necessary. We use an acoustic high density Batt that has additional acoustic properties to maximise its performance.
Can I use natural materials for insulation, such as wool or cotton?
Yes, natural materials such as wool and cotton can be used for insulation. They are considered sustainable and eco-friendly options, but may be more expensive than traditional insulation materials. We use a glasswool batt which is 85% recycled glass bottles.
What are the environmental benefits of insulation?
Insulation can help reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, by reducing the amount of fossil fuels needed to heat and cool a home. It also can prevent drafts, and can help to reduce the environmental impact of HVAC system.
Can insulation help to prevent mold growth?
Insulation can help prevent mold growth by reducing the potential for moisture and condensation to build up in a home. We install a Mold resistance batt. We also add to our service the installation of Roof ventilation, as airflow is really important in reducing mould.
How does insulation affect my home’s resale value?
Insulation can improve a home's resale value by making it more energy efficient and reducing energy costs for the new homeowner. We provide our homeowners a certificate of compliance that recognises the improved R value of the home, which is a huge selling point to future buyers.
What is the R-value of the insulation currently in my home?
The R-value of the insulation in your home can vary depending on the type and age of the insulation. We assess this in our no-obligation on site visit, to asses the roof space.
How do I know if I have enough insulation in my attic?
You can check your attic's insulation by measuring its depth. You can also hire a professional to conduct an energy audit and evaluate the insulation levels in your home.
Are there specific types of insulation that are better suited to certain climates?
Yes, different types of insulation are better suited to different climates. In colder climates, insulation with a higher R-value is typically recommended, while in warmer climates, insulation that helps to keep a home cool is a better choice.
How often should insulation be inspected or replaced?
The recommended frequency of inspection depends on the type of insulation and its condition. cellulose insulation may need to be reinsulated after 10-15 years while others may last much longer
Can I install insulation in a new home during the construction process?
Yes, insulation can be installed in a new home during the construction process. This can be done before the walls are closed, or after they have been completed.
How does insulation impact the overall thermal performance of my home?
Insulation helps to reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer, improving the overall thermal performance of a home.
How does Insulation affect HVAC system?
Insulation helps the HVAC system to operate more efficiently by reducing the amount of energy needed to heat and cool a home. This can lead to a reduction in energy costs, and may also prolong the life of the HVAC system.