Tumwater’s Air Duct Insulation – A Wise Investment

Duct insulation reduces sound transmission, making it easier to sleep through a noisy HVAC system or have private conversations without worrying about neighbors hearing you. Insulation also minimizes energy loss by ensuring hot and cold air stays where it’s supposed to, rather than escaping through uninsulated ducts.

Insulating ducts cuts down on condensation that promotes mold and mildew growth and pollutes interior air with harmful spores. High-quality duct insulation can save you hundreds of dollars each year.

Fiberglass

Nine out of ten homes are under-insulated, and that means huge energy bills. Improving your insulation is an inexpensive way to reduce those bills, and also cut your family’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Fiberglass is a popular and effective option for attics, walls, ducts, and floors. It resists heat transfer and keeps your home warm in the Winter and cool in the Summer.

It also blocks sound, making it a good choice for noise control. However, fiberglass can be itchy and cause respiratory issues if handled without a dust mask. It is also prone to moisture and mildew, which decreases its R-value over time. This is why we strongly recommend that homeowners hire professional installers for their fiberglass insulation. This will ensure the job is done properly and safely.

Cellulose

Cellulose insulation is a green product that is made from recycled paper, typically newsprint. It is then treated with boric acid to make it fire resistant and repel insects. It can be installed in loose or spray form, blown-in or injected between wall studs.

Like fiberglass insulation, cellulose has an R-value and limits air infiltration and thermal bridging. It also helps reduce noise.

Cellulose insulation is more commonly installed by professionals who use a specialized blower to apply it between floor joists, trusses, and wall studs. Because it creates significant dust during installation, and because it’s chemically treated with a fire retardant, installers need to wear protective clothing and masks. This makes cellulose less DIY-friendly than fiberglass. However, it is more economical than other insulation products.

Spray Foam

Spray foam insulation provides a high degree of coverage and works well with tight spaces. It’s also made from recycled materials, which makes it a green option for Tumwater homeowners. It contains cotton fibers derived from post-industrial scrap and recycled denim. Unlike fiberglass, it doesn’t contain any itchy fibers that may cause respiratory irritation.

It is 24 times less permeable to air flow than other types of home insulation, preventing energy loss that would otherwise increase your heating and cooling costs. This insulation helps to keep conditioned air in your home and reduces the work required of your HVAC system during the cold winter months and hot summer days.

Professionals should apply this type of insulation because it expands quickly and must be sealed properly to prevent sagging or swelling. It can be expensive, but it offers the most benefits to homeowners in terms of reducing their energy bills.

Denim

Denim insulation is made of recycled cotton and post industrial or post consumer denim jeans. It is a great eco-friendly option, as it reduces energy bills and helps preserve natural resources. It can be installed in the same way as fiberglass batts, between open roof rafters and ceiling joists, and wall studs.

It is easy to handle and does not release irritant fibers, as do some other types of insulation. You can safely handle it with bare hands, and there is no need for protective gear, like gloves and long sleeves. However, a basic dust mask is a good idea.

It can be more expensive than other types of insulation, but it has a much longer lifespan. It is also resistant to mold, mildew and pests. It is up to 30% more effective than fiberglass at reducing sound and can improve your home’s acoustic efficiency.

Cotton

Cotton possesses thermal and sound insulation properties, making it an effective alternative to other synthetic insulation materials. However, factors like moisture absorption and thickness can impact its insulating abilities.

Unlike fiberglass, which can release formaldehyde into the air, cotton insulation does not contain any harmful chemicals. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking for an eco-friendly option.

It is also easy to install and doesn’t require the use of protective clothing. It is available as a loose fill, or it can be rolled or stapled between the studs of walls, floors, and ceilings. Additionally, cotton insulation is a great choice for attics because it inhibits the growth of mold and mildew, which can drastically reduce indoor air quality. It’s important to keep your attic well insulated because dirty ducts can make it difficult for your HVAC system to move air throughout the house.