The benefits of insulating your home
Insulation acts as a barrier to heat loss and heat gain, particularly in roofs and ceilings, walls and floors.
In many homes insulation is the most practical and cost effective way to make a house more energy efficient, keeping it cooler in summer and warmer in winter and saving up to 40 per cent in heating and cooling bills. In addition, insulation may reduce condensation in the home. This can provide health benefits by reducing mould and damp.
Why is insulation important?
Half of the energy we use to heat or cool our homes can simply leak out without insulation. Insulation helps to:
reduce reliance on heating and cooling systems save money on your energy bills improve your comfort at home protect the environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by lowering your energy consumption.
Some types of insulation can make your home more soundproof.
Types of insulation
There is a range of insulation products available in Australia.
There are two main types of insulation:
Bulk insulation acts as a barrier to heat flow between your home and the outside, keeping heat out of your home in summer and in your home in winter. It comes in batts, rolls, boards and can be made from materials like glass wool, polyester, natural wool or recycled paper. Bulk insulation is usually used in homes located in cooler climates.
Reflective insulation is generally used to keep your home cool in summer by deflecting radiant heat. It's usually shiny aluminium foil laminated onto paper or plastic. Reflective insulation is usually used in homes located in hot and very sunny climates.