Insulation is priceless when it comes to keeping your property comfortable. A well insulated property will use less electricity and be less reliant on the heating and air conditioning systems. Some people re-insulate their walls because they want to reduce their carbon footprint and make their property more eco-friendly. Others add insulation to their property simply because they want to save a little money on their utility bills. This article will explain the recommended levels of insulation for homes in Canada.

The R-Value

The important thing to look at when shopping for insulation is the R-value. The R-value is a ranking system that is used by contractors in the Canada and the United States. It is a measure of the insulation's ability to slow down the transfer of heat. So, insulation with a higher R-value will give better insulation than a product with a lower value. This is not to say that you should buy the product with the highest R-value unless you live in the coldest regions of Canada.

There are a few drawbacks if you buy insulation that is too strong for your climate. First, it is more expensive, so you are unnecessarily wasting money. Second, the extra insulation can make you home heat up too quickly during the summer and when you are running your furnace. This means it can be very slow to cool down.

The Installation

The biggest hurdle when buying insulation is figuring out how to install it. Foam insulation is popular because it can be installed inside existing walls without having to tear apart the wall. A small hole can be drilled into the wall where you can insert the foam hose and spray in the insulation. It is probably the best solution for people who are simply looking to add a little bit of insulation to their existing walls.

If you are building a new home, or completely redoing your walls, you can install fiberglass insulation sheets. These are very effective and easy to install if the walls are not finished. You can buy it in strips that fit perfectly in between 2x4 studs. All you have to do is cut the pieces to the right length. Adding fiberglass insulation before the drywall installation is smart and affordable.

If you properly insulate your home, you will quickly earn your money back through your reduced energy bills. It will increase the life of your furnace and heating appliances because you will not need to run them at such high levels.