Understanding R-Values for Home Insulation
If you pay attention to your bills as a homeowner, then you’ll already know that energy costs make up an increasingly large part of monthly household spending. But did you know that in the Houston area, energy costs per KWH have gone up a staggering 69% since 2016?
Your home’s energy costs can vary wildly due to several factors, but proper insulation of your home is one thing YOU can take direct control over. And if you’re looking at handling any insulation improvement, you’ll want to know about R-values.
That’s because insulation effectiveness is measured by its R-value. This term comes up frequently when researching home insulation solutions. But what does R-value mean and why does it mean in the greater context of your home?
Well, these questions are ones that EZ Attic Insulation hears often from commercial and residential property owners alike. And we are determined to inform Houstonians everything there is to know about insulation. After all, we’re Houston’s insulation experts! So read on in today’s blog covering R-Value for Insulation.
Defining R-Value
R-value measures an insulating material’s ability to resist conductive heat transfer or more simply, how well a material resists heat passing through. This value is determined by the following math equation:
The Department of Energy uses R-values as standard ratings allowing comparison across different insulation types. What’s more, the Federal Trade Commission has regulations on labeling products accurately with these values to meet this standard.
The Department of Energy uses R-values as standard ratings allowing comparison across different insulation types. What’s more, the Federal Trade Commission has regulations on labeling products accurately with these values to meet this standard. At EZ Attic Insulation, we only use high-quality insulation materials that meet or exceed DOE standards.
Recommended R-Values for Houston Attics
Where you live can dramatically change the R-Value requirements of your home’s insulation. This is because the Department of Energy sets target R-values for attic insulation by climate zones across the country. These climate zones are separated into 7 categories, with the heavier requirements tied to more northern states.
As insulation ages, it compacts down over time. It also gets compressed by improper storage solutions. Unfortunately, being squished through time or abuse can lower its effectiveness by as much as 50%!
Did you know that attic insulation should have a depth of at least 10-14 inches, depending on the climate zone, to meet minimum recommendations?
As you can see from the climate zone map above, Houston falls under Zone 2 where the DOE prescribes R30 to R60 level attic insulation. But while Zone 2 is one of the warmer climates on the list, this should not let you feel comfortable with sub-optimal R-Values in your home’s insulation.
If your home is sitting below the minimum of R30 due to age, poor settling, or other factors, it could lead to major losses in energy efficiency and home comfort. And as any Houstonian can tell you, Houston has gone through extreme weather conditions in the last few years with record-breaking cold winters.
That’s why it’s important to have your insulation inspected by experts like EZ Attic Insulation. We can assess your current insulation level, recommend improvements, and handle the entire insulation removal and installation process to get your home up to the proper R-value.
Types of Insulation & Their Typical R-Values
Insulation is not a one-size-fits-all solution. There are several insulation materials available, each using different chemical compositions and offering different R-values per inch of thickness.
These various types include:
Fiberglass
- Comprised of extremely fine glass fibers
- Embedded with thermoset resins
- R-value range: R2.2 to R3.8 per inch
- Service provided by EZ Attic Insulation
- Minimum Inches to achieve R30: 13.6 – 7.9 inches
Cellulose
- Made from 80% recycled paper products
- Treated with fire/pest-resistant chemicals
- R-value range: R3.1 to R3.8 per inch depending on loose or batt
- Minimum Inches to achieve R30: 9.7 – 7.9 inches
Mineral Wool
- Crafted from natural igneous rocks or slag
- Strands trap air pockets limiting airflow
- R-value range: R2.2 to R4.2 per inch depending on loose or batt
- Minimum Inches to achieve R30: 13.6 – 7.1 inches
Spray Foam Insulation
- Liquid polymeric foams applied directly in cavities
- Expands rapidly to fill gaps and crevices
- R-value range: R2.0 to R8.0 per inch depending on material
- Service provided by EZ Attic Insulation
- Minimum Inches to achieve R30: 15 – 3.75 inches
With so many materials to choose from, which one is best? While we see many insulation types across Houston attics, we generally recommend our blow-in insulation services or spray foam insulation services for the best R-value rating for your money.
This said, we recommend talking to our insulation experts to find the best solution to your home’s energy efficiency needs. EZ Attic Insulation offers free inspections and estimates to determine the optimal insulation approach for your specific home. Contact us today to learn more!
Why Pay Attention to R-Value?
Now that we’ve compared R-values across different materials, you’re probably wondering what this R-value does for you. Sure we know R-Value inhibits heat movement, but how does it impact your home and your family?
Efficiency– Heat Transmission Reduction
A home’s attic accounts for up to 30% of total heat gain or loss. Increasing attic insulation R-value to DOE recommendations decreases heat flow through this problem area significantly. This means your AC and heating systems work less to maintain comfortable living space temperatures.
Comfort – Temperature Consistency
Consistent indoor temps prevent hot and cold fluctuations inside a home. Houston sees over 100 days above 90°F annually. Plus extreme humidity and seasonal storms. The right attic R-value means your HVAC keeps up easily on the hottest days instead of rattling or short cycling trying to cool rooms down.
Longevity – Cost Savings
When insulation can’t do its job due to low R-value, its efficiency and lifespan decline. Investing in the proper thickness tailored for the Houston climate returns savings through energy bill reductions.
Heat and moisture degrade materials prematurely otherwise. DOE studies found upgraded insulation saves 5-15% on bills while increasing home value. That’s money back in your wallet long-term even when factoring in installation costs. EZ Attic Insulation’s removal and installation services make upgrading your insulation hassle-free.
Let R-Value Impact Your Insulation Choice
Trust EZ Attic Insulation, your Houston insulation experts, to properly address your home’s insulation needs. Our team knows the best practices for residential and commercial, including the proper R-Values to keep your home cozy all year long!
Call us today at 713-909-0390 or message us on Facebook or Instagram!
