Summer continues to swelter on in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and with record-setting heat advisories. Power outages are not uncommon as each power grid struggles to keep up with the demand for power. Air conditioning units are giving out as the temperatures climb higher. 

There are several factors that help keep a house cool in the summer and warm in the winter besides a heating and cooling unit. It is insulation. There are many kinds of insulation to consider when insulating a building. The type of insulation that will serve you best depends on your needs, desired price point, and location. 

Here are a few recommended types of insulation for your Texas home.  

Insulation Materials

First, there is foam, a fairly common insulation material. Foam insulation is made up of different plastics such as polyurethane and polystyrene. These plastic-based foam insulations come in different forms, like foam boards, loose fill, or spray foam. 

Polyisocyanurate is another plastic material used in insulation. While it is very similar to polyurethane, it is more fire resistant. This makes it an ideal choice for very dry climates.

Next is fiberglass. Fiberglass is one of the most common materials used for insulation. This type is fairly environmentally friendly due to the fact that it is usually made up of recycled spun glass. Fiberglass insulation is most common in forms of boards, loose fill, or rolls of insulation.

Then there is cellulose. Cellulose is made up of recycled paper shredded into tiny bits. It fills every crack and crevice for very effective insulation. Because it fills each crevice, it prevents airflow issues and bugs from entering the home. It is a great choice for those looking to re-insulate their home.

Mineral wool is another insulation material and it is comprised of either slag wool or rock wool. Rock wool is mineral based while slag wool is made from metal. One of the benefits of mineral wool is that it is fire resistant.

Next, there is natural fiber insulation. This can be comprised of quite a few natural fibers such as hemp, sheep wool, cotton, or straw. This material needs to undergo chemical treatment to make sure it is bug, fire, and water resistant.  

Last is denim insulation, also known as cotton fiber insulation. As you would guess, it is made from recycled denim fabrics. It is a very high-quality insulation material and can be quite expensive. A few of the benefits are its soundproofing ability, higher quality of air, and it is by far the most sustainable. Similar to natural fiber insulation, it requires a chemical treatment to ensure it has fire-resistant abilities. 

Insulation Forms

Now that the materials most commonly used in insulation are a bit more familiar, here are the ways they are used and the forms they are commonly found as.

One of the oldest insulation designs is roll or batt. These are the larger rolls of insulation that look like fabric on one side with plastic on the other. The plastic-looking substance has a purpose, it provides a layer of protection against air seeping in or out. These rolls are most commonly made with fiberglass.  

Next is loose fill insulation. Loose fill is usually made of fiberglass and appears very fluffy. Don’t be fooled, though, because fiberglass can be very irritating to the skin. It is easy to use and is great for a DIY project as you can buy a bag at a local hardware store.

Spray foam insulation is a great way to install insulation. Because the liquid expands, it saves you from needing to do things like calk your home. It also significantly cuts down on airflow, saving a lot of energy in both winter and summer.

Energy Saver has many good tips on which insulation is best, but at the end of the day, the choice is up to you because you know what you need.  

Call Superior AC And Heat

For all your summer air conditioning repair needs, call us at (214) 679-8725. You can also request our 24/7 emergency services anytime. We are a customer-focused company ready to help you with all your air conditioning needs.