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Asphalt roofs provide better insulation than metal roofs, but that doesn’t always mean that asphalt roofs are better for reducing heating and cooling bills. In hotter climates, metal roofs will usually be better for home efficiency because the material reflects more sunlight and reduces solar heat gain. In colder climates, asphalt roofs are sometimes superior in terms of efficiency because they introduce more solar heat gain to your home and have greater insulating capabilities. However, metal roofs installed with an air gap can provide similar levels of insulation.

Excluding carpet, strand-woven bamboo provides excellent underfoot heat. Laminate flooring is also good for insulation and preventing cold feet in the winter. Bamboo tends to work better in climates that have more consistent temperatures, while laminate does a better job at insulating floors in homes that experience more extreme temperature changes, such as the deciduous climates of the northeastern U.S.

The amount and type of insulation your home needs depends on your location, climate, and the specific installation area (attic, walls, or floors). Your local building code will typically determine the minimum required R-value. For specific recommendations, Energy Star suggests the following R-values: homes in the Southern U.S. should have R30 to R60 in attics and R13 to R25 in floors and walls; homes in moderate climates need R38 to R60 in attics and R25 to R30 in floors and walls; and homes in northern states require R49 to R60 in attics and R25 to R30 in floors and walls.

If you have blown-in insulation, using an insulation vacuum will quickly and easily suck up all the insulation. Many come with built-in HEPA filters for added safety. While some people suggest breaking up large batts and feeding them into the vacuum, this can expose you to more fiberglass fibers. With batts and rolls, carefully removing them and placing them into garbage bags is a better process.