Insulation Tips
Is Ceiling Insulation Worth It?
May
Wondering if ceiling insulation is worth the investment? Homes with ceiling insulation installed are more comfortable year round and save more on heating and cooling costs. In fact, installing home insulation is one of the best things you can do to improve energy efficiency and make your home more sustainable.
In this guide, we walk you through the short and long term benefits of ceiling insulation and the potential savings you could make on your energy bill. Plus, a few tips on how to get the most out of your investment.
Does Ceiling Insulation Work?
Insulation is one of the most effective ways to make your home more energy efficient and improve indoor temperature regulation.
In fact, home insulation can save 45-55% of heating and cooling energy. The ceiling is one of the most impactful areas you can insulate, reducing heat loss and gain by as much as 25-35%.
Does Ceiling Insulation Make a Difference?
Ceiling insulation works to keep your home at a pleasant temperature all year round. It will help prevent heat loss during winter and slow down the rate of heat gain in summer.
Plus, insulation makes heating and cooling more efficient. So when you switch on your air conditioning or heating appliances, it’ll take less energy to cool or heat your room. That’s how ceiling insulation can help cut energy costs in winter and summer.
ALSO READ – HOW DOES INSULATION WORK?
How Much Can You Save With Ceiling Insulation?
According to some sources, you could save up to 45% of your energy costs when you install ceiling insulation. In other words, a household that currently pays $2,000 every year for electricity could save up to $900 per year with proper insulation installed.
You can save even more when you combine insulation with other energy-saving tactics. There are also several things you can do to make sure you get the most out of your insulation investment.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Investment
1. Upgrade to a Higher R-value
The higher the R-Value of an insulation product, the more effective it is at resisting heat flow. You may be required to meet minimum R-Values according to local building regulations. Upgrading to a higher R-Value could lead to greater savings.
2. Use Quality Insulation Products
For the best results, choose reputable insulation brands and consider the product warranty when purchasing. Read our guide to the best ceiling insulation for more information.
3. Ensure Insulation Products Are Installed Properly
Insulation products must be installed correctly to perform at the highest level. For example, batt insulation is less effective if it is compressed during installation or if there are gaps between the batts.
4. Consider a Professional Installation
You can install ceiling insulation yourself if you have safe access to the roof or attic space. However, a professional installation service will ensure the products are installed optimally and safely. An installer can also recommend which products are right for your home.
Ceiling Insulation vs Roof Insulation – What’s More Important?
Ceiling insulation is installed on top of the ceiling plasterboard whereas roof insulation is installed underneath the roofing material. Both play an important role in protecting your home from heat loss and gain.
Every home should have ceiling insulation. Glasswool or polyester ceiling batts are a popular and cost-effective choice that can be installed between the ceiling joists.
Most homes have roof sarking or another type of reflective insulation below the roofing material to help reflect radiant heat. In some regions, roof sarking is mandatory according to the local building regulations.
If you are planning on converting your attic space into a liveable room, you may require additional attic insulation to help regulate temperatures effectively. For more information, check out our guide to the best kind of insulation for your attic project.
Is It More Important to Insulate Walls or Ceiling?
In general, you’ll get greater thermal benefits from insulating your ceiling compared to your walls. That’s because the ceiling is responsible for around 25-35% of a home’s total heat loss and gain whereas walls contribute around 15-25%.
If your budget allows, we recommend investing in both wall insulation and ceiling insulation for maximum benefits. Insulating both will lead to greater indoor comfort and financial savings.
However, if you’re building your home or have the option to install batts between exposed wall framing, we strongly recommend doing so. Once the plaster is installed, it’s too late to install wall insulation without removing it all—which is a very costly exercise. On the other hand, ceiling insulation can be installed at a later date.
Is It Worth Topping Up Insulation in Your Ceiling?
If you live in an older house or are experiencing uncomfortable temperature fluctuations in your living space, it could be a sign your existing insulation needs replacing or topping up.
Although modern insulation products are designed to last several decades, old or damaged insulation will become less effective over time.
As long as it is not damaged, old insulation will still have some insulating power and can help increase the overall R-Value when you top up the ceiling with new insulation.
Water leaks, rat infestation and moisture issues can damage ceiling insulation. In these circumstances, we recommend fixing the issue first so that it doesn’t continue to happen. Then you should remove the damaged insulation before installing a new product.
ALSO READ – IS INSULATION REMOVAL WORTH THE COST?
Buy Ceiling Insulation Online
Insulating your ceiling is a quick and effective way to improve energy efficiency and comfort levels at home. With great long term benefits, ceiling insulation is an investment that will save you money over time.
Check out our range of quality ceiling insulation products or read our ceiling insulation cost guide to get started.
If you need advice about what insulation to use for your project, give our customer service team a call on 1300 729 639.
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We live in cottage and our house is very cold n dusty can we get a quote to have it done please
Hi Irene,
Thanks for your enquiry. Please give our team a call on 1300 729 639 or email sales@pricewise.com.au and we’d be happy to assist you.
Cheers,
Christa