Keeping Energy Bills Down by Understanding R Value

Insulating your home properly is very important. It can mean the difference between a reasonable heating bill and a sky high heating bill during the winter. Keeping your family safe and warm is important, but when it comes to insulation, it can get pretty confusing. Not only are there several types to choose from, but you have to choose the R value of the insulation as well. Not sure what R value is and how it impacts home insulation? Here s a closer look.

What Exactly is the R Value You may have heard the term R value in regards to insulation, but you probably have no idea what it s all about. Basically the R value is a rating that is used to measure the ability of a type of insulation to resist the flow of heat. If the insulation has a higher R value, it means it s more effective. When you are purchasing insulation, it s important to base your choice on the R value instead of the weight or the thickness (which is a common mistake many people make).

Quick Facts You Need to Know Here is a look at some quick facts you need to know about insulation and R value:

Whenever there are moisture leaks, you substantially lower the R value of your home insulation.

Once inch of good insulation is as protective as 30 inches of concrete.

While a type of insulation may be thinner or thicker, if they have the same R value, they will still insulate your home the same.

For basement insulation in North America, the average R value that is recommended happens to be R 12.

Of course, the standard R value that is needed for your home insulation is going to vary a bit based upon the temperature and climate in your area.

Different types of materials have different R values. There is polystyrene insulation, fiberglass insulation, and blown in cellulose insulation. The expanded polystyrene insulation actually has the highest R value per inch, which makes it a great choice.

Recommended R Value for Your Area Wondering what the recommended R value is for your area? Here is a look at some of the recommendations in North America that can help you to choose your R value.

Southern Tip of Florida In the very Southern tip of Florida, where it is very warm, you can get away with lower R values than most other places in the country. For the floor, you ll need R13, for the attic that is not insulated, you ll want to go with R30 to R49 insulation.

Florida, Southern Texas, Southern Louisiana, and Southern Arizona In these areas, the floor insulation should be R13 to R19, while the insulation in an attic that is not insulated should be between R30 R60.

Most of California, Northern Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, and Southern North Carolina For the floor you need R19 R25 and between R30 R60 for an uninsulated Attic.

Tennessee, Virginia, Kansas, Northern North Carolina, Costal Washington and Oregon, and Middle New Mexico and Arizona The floor insulation should be R 25 R30, and R38 R60 for the uninsulated attic areas.

The Rest of the US For those in the rest of the United States, the recommended R value for the floor is R25 R30, and the recommended values for the uninsulated attic areas is between R49 R60.