Get matched with top insulation pros in University Park, PA

Insulating windows without plastic is usually the better method. Outside of simply replacing your windows, you could buy cellular shades, which trap air between the window and the home, add a window film that blocks UV rays and traps heat, or cover your windows with a low-emissivity coating called “low-E.”

The type of insulation you need in your home depends on your location, the installation site, and your region’s climate. According to Energy Star, insulation in homes in the Southern United States should have an R-value of between R30 and R60 in attics and R13 to R25 in the floors and walls; homes in moderate climates require R values of R38 to R60 in attics and R25 to R30 in floors and walls; and homes in northern states require an R value of R49 to R60 in attics and R25 to R30 in floors and walls.

A-frame houses pose specific challenges that can make heating difficult. Their open concept design with high ceilings can lead to a colder lower floor and a warmer upper floor. A ceiling fan that pushes warm air down or pulls cold air up, depending on the season, can easily counteract temperature issues. Additionally, certain types of heating do better in these homes than others. For example, heated floors tend to be more practical and energy efficient than baseboard heating.

These two types of foams are similar chemically, but they are applied in a much different way and each has its own pros and cons. Spray foam can only be used if the area where you will be installing the installation is wide open and easy to access. Injection foam should be used where it's cost-prohibitive to remove the walls that are placed over the insulation. Spray foam is a much less expensive process and requires less expertise.