Updated: February 12, 2025 by Michael Kahn. Published: February 12, 2025.
To have a properly functioning home, you need to have certain basic things in place.
One of these fundamentals involves having the right insulation. How can you ensure
that your house is sufficiently insulated all the way around?
Every home is different, of course, but there are essential things that every homeowner
should look for nonetheless. If you make a checklist of important points to cover, you
should be in good shape to keep your home well insulated.
Table of Contents
Examine your windows
Windows are another big place from which heat can escape. Be sure to find leak-proof window replacement in Ottawa for lasting durability. You never know when you might have minor leaks in places that are not obvious. Keep the following points in mind when looking for window replacements:
- The number of panes that you have is important. Particularly if you live in Canada and have to make it through harsh winters, you need windows that have multiple panes in them.
- Weatherstripping. It is essential that you seal your windows with the right weatherstripping material. Even if you have it, your existing material can get cracked or damaged. Inspect your weatherstripping regularly to ensure that it works correctly.
- Glazing. You should be sure that your windows are properly glazed. Beyond having the right number of panes, glazing adds a protective layer that helps strengthen your windows against the cold.
Even if your windows have proper glazing on them, you might need to replace them if they are chipped or don’t fit properly with their frames. Make a point of examining leakage carefully to determine whether you need to do this.
Walls are essential
While insulating your walls isn’t everything, doing it right definitely plays a fundamental role in energy efficiency. As much as a third of the heat lost in poorly insulated homes escapes through walls, so taking care of them is imperative.
To do this correctly, follow these steps:
- Determine your wall type. If you don’t know exactly what kind of walls you’re dealing with, you won’t have an accurate idea of the type and amount of insulation that you need. Insulation specialists can help you determine this.
- Get the right people to do the job. Be sure to do your homework on who the best specialists in your area are for installing insulation. You don’t want to end up being overcharged or underserviced.
- Be sure to get a guarantee. Even if you find people to do a good job with installation, you want to know that you can call on them if necessary.
Different insulation types for different areas
When thinking about where to add insulation, you should consider the fact that it comes in many different forms. Major types include the following:
- Fiberglass. Fiberglass often comes in blankets or “batts.” These are the typical scratchy layers you often see in attics. While not particularly attractive, they are cheap and convenient.
- Cellulose. Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper products. For the particularly eco-conscious, this is a popular choice. It generally has very strong insulation qualities.
- Foam board insulation. This type of insulation comes in rigid boards and works very well with walls and roofs.
- Spray foam. For those pesky hard-to-reach areas, you can spray in a bit of foam so that small amounts of air don’t escape. Spray foam automatically expands to fit small areas perfectly.
- Reflective insulation. Putting certain kinds of reflective materials on the outside of your home can help reflect heat away during the summer and keep your air conditioning bills down.
Get the right curtains
Beyond finding good-quality house windows, you should think about the quality of your curtains. Getting the right curtains helps provide an additional layer between the inside of your home and the elements outside.
Look for the following qualities when you shop for curtains:
- Thermal curtains. This is a special type of curtain that is specifically made for insulation. You can find thermal curtains online or in home goods stores.
- Curtains made with particular materials. Polyester, velvet, and suede are known to be the best insulators. If you don’t look for thermal curtains specifically, you can also find good quality curtains made with these materials.
- The right fit. To adequately protect your rooms from the cold, you need to be sure that your curtains cover the area around your windows correctly. Otherwise, you could be letting cold air in through open spaces.
Check your house regularly
Any of the things that help insulate your house can change over time. Chipping, wear and tear, and the force of the elements can cause any of your insulative materials to lose their strength. So make a point of checking your wall and ceiling insulation, your window weatherstripping, and everything else that helps keep the cold out on a regular basis. If you do this correctly, you should be able to maintain a warm house and have low energy bills.
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Whether she is researching the latest trends in home decor, life-changing destination getaways, or the best way to maintain your finances, Dewey takes pride in leaving no stone unturned. She is passionate about distilling and delivering high-quality information that you can use to upgrade your life.
