R-VALUE - AN EXPLANATION
The R-Value of insulation is a measurement of its resistance to heat flow or heat transfer. So the higher the R-Value of your insulation, the more effective it will be at insulating your home! There are many factors that affect r-value, including the material your insulation is made of, the density of the material, and its thickness. As would be expected, if you want to increase the energy efficiency of your home, it's necessary to increase the overall r-value of your home by installing more insulation!
The R-value of your insulation is also dependent on the method used to install it, and where exactly it is installed. Compressed or improperly installed insulation doesn't provide its full R-value, so it's important install your insulation properly in order to achieve maximum effectiveness. Even better, proper installation can reduce the cost of heating and cooling your home by up to 30 percent and could make you eligible for federal tax credits.
The actual amount and type of insulation you'll need for your project depends on your climate, what part of your home you're planning on insulating, and the type of heating and cooling system in your home. If you need more information, please feel free to refer to the chart below.
