Insulation helps homes manage their temperatures throughout the year. Millions of Americans waste money each year because of energy inefficiency. If your home has air leaks, it will cost much more to heat and cool your home in the summer and winter, and keeping your property at a consistent temperature will be more challenging. Luckily, insulation can help prevent heat loss around your property. However, insulation can also uniquely impact your home’s air quality. How the insulation is installed and the materials used in your insulation can potentially negatively impact your home’s indoor air quality. Here are a few ways that insulation can impact indoor air quality.
How Do Different Insulation Materials Impact Air Quality
One common insulation material is cellulose. Cellulose is made from recycled paper, which makes it great for the environment. However, if cellulose gets wet, it can hold moisture. This makes cellulose a potential breeding ground for mold spores and mildew, which can significantly impact the air quality of a home. Mold varieties can cause many different symptoms, including allergic reactions. Spray foam is one of the best options for plugging leaks throughout a property. However, spray foam can also release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when it is initially installed. This is why it needs to be installed by a trained professional.
How Does The Installation Method of Insulation Affect Air Quality
Regardless of the material used to insulate a home, poor installation can lead to issues with your air quality. For example, fiberglass insulation is the most commonly used insulation material. It is cost-effective and does a great job of preventing hot or cold air from escaping your home. However, if fiberglass insulation is installed improperly or not adequately maintained, it can release tiny fibers that can be unintentionally breathed in. This can lead to respiratory symptoms and even lung disease over time.
How To Improve The Air Quality Of Your Home
The best way to improve the air quality of your home is to hire the proper insulation professionals when installing insulation. Moreover, you should discuss maintenance and timelines for insulation replacement with them. Depending on the material you work with, you might need your insulation replaced in the future.
Insulation Installation in MA, NH, and RI
If you own a property in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, or Rhode Island and need help with insulation installation, our team can help. Here at Anderson Insulation, we offer different types of insulation for homeowners. Call us for more information.