This thermal photograph shows heat leaking from a house during those expensive winter heating months. The white, yellow and red colors show where the heat escapes. The red represents the area of the greatest heat loss. A good insulating system includes a combination of products and construction techniques that provide a home with thermal performance, protect it against air infiltration and control moisture. First, check the insulation in your attic, ceilings, exterior and basement walls, floors and crawl spaces to see if it meets the levels recommended for your area.
Insulation is measured in R-values.
Higher R-value means your walls and roof will resist the transfer of heat. State and local codes in some parts of the country may require lower R-values than the DOE recommendations, which are based on cost effectiveness. Each type is made to fit in a different part of your house. They are made to fit between the studs in your walls or between the joists of your ceilings or floors. Batts are usually made of fiberglass or rock wool.