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Types of Insulation: Which Are the Most Energy Efficient?
5 minute read • Last update August 2024
Interested in long-term energy savings at home? Upgrading your insulation can help. Choosing the best type of insulation is crucial for maximizing energy savings while maintaining a comfortable home environment. In this guide, we’ll explore different types of insulation material so you can make an informed decision about what’s best for your property.
Why insulation matters
Choosing the most energy-efficient insulation can reduce your overall energy expenses by up to 15%. But the benefits don’t stop there. By reducing heat flow, the best insulation material also improves indoor air quality by preventing drafts and reducing the infiltration of outdoor pollutants, making your living environment healthier.
Most energy-efficient types of insulation, ranked
What is the best insulation for homeowners looking to cut their electric bill costs and their environmental footprint? This comprehensive list of insulation ranks the different options from most to least energy-efficient.
1. Spray foam insulation
Liquid foam is a versatile and highly effective insulating material, typically applied using a spray gun. What makes sprayed foam the best home insulation? The answer lies in how it rapidly expands and hardens upon application, filling gaps and creating an effective air barrier even in hard-to-reach areas and irregularly shaped spaces. Spray sealing foam comes in two types:
- Open-cell foam is light, flexible, and most commonly used to fill sofas, mattresses, car seats, etc.
- Closed-cell foam is heavier, denser, and more commonly used to reduce heat conduction in attics, crawl spaces, unfinished attic floors, wall cavities, etc.
So, while you might use open-cell spray foam for some household applications, it’s not the best vapor barrier and therefore is not ideal for internal application. Here’s a quick list of the primary pros and cons of using closed-sprayed foam insulation:
Pros:
- Excellent R-value (don’t worry, we’ll explain what this is in the next section)
- Creates an airtight barrier
- Resistant to moisture and mold
Cons:
- Higher initial cost
- Requires professional installation
- Can emit a strong odor when mixed on-site
2. Rigid foam insulation
Rigid foam board insulation consists of solid panels with a foam core that can be used to insulate almost any part of your home, from the roof down to the foundation. Foam boards are commonly described using their synthetic names: polyisocyanurate, polyurethane foam, and polystyrene foam board. Whatever name you use, these structural insulated panels (SIPS) are particularly effective at reducing heat conduction through structural elements like steel studs.
Pros:
- High R-value
- Durable and long-lasting
- Effective concrete block insulation for unfinished walls and exterior wall sheathing
Cons:
- More expensive than traditional batts insulation
- Requires precise installation to avoid gaps
- Susceptible to sunlight damage
3. Reflective or radiant barrier insulation
Reflective insulation works by deflecting heat away from your home. Reflective and radiant barriers typically consist of foil-faced Kraft paper, plastic film, or polyethylene bubbles, which are particularly effective at resisting heat flow in hot climates where prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause homes to overheat.
Pros:
- The best type of insulation for reflecting heat
- Easy to install in new wall cavities and unfinished floors
- Lightweight and non-toxic
Cons:
- Less effective in cold climates
- Can gather dust and debris over time
- Must be paired with other types of home insulation for the best results
4. Mineral wool insulation
Mineral wool is similar to fiberglass insulation. It is made by spinning recycled and natural fibers at high temperatures to form a material that resembles sheep’s wool. The raw materials that can be used to make it include ceramics, rock wool, slag wool, and molten metal like blast furnace slag left over from industrial processes. Mineral wool insulation can be found in both batts and loose-fill forms and works particularly well for insulating autoclaved aerated concrete.
Pros:
- Fire resistant
- Excellent soundproofing
- Environmentally friendly
Cons:
- More expensive than many other types of insulation
- Heavy and can be difficult to install
- Not available in a wide range of sizes
5. Cellulose insulation
Cellulose is an eco-friendly type of loose-fill insulation made from recycled paper products and is often treated with borate to enhance its fire resistance and pest-repelling properties. A type of “blown-in insulation,” it can be inserted into either new or existing walls as it easily conforms to spaces around obstructions.
Pros:
- Production doesn’t emit greenhouse gases
- Excellent moisture control
- High fire and sound resistance properties
Cons:
- Installation requires a specialized insulation-blowing machine
- Degrades quickly and requires regular replacement
- Absorbs moisture and humidity
6. Batt insulation
Batts are one of the most commonly used types of insulation. Typically made from fiberglass, sheep’s wool, or mineral wool, batts come in pre-cut panels and are usually bought as a blanket or roll. Installation is straightforward as they’re sized to fit into standard cavities and are widely available in various thicknesses.
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Inexpensive
- Fit between studs, joists, and beams of most buildings
Cons:
- Lower R-value compared to other types of insulation
- Does not create as effective an air barrier
- Can be itchy and irritating to handle
7. Fiberglass insulation
Fiberglass is the result of combining glass and plastic fibers and flattening them into a sheet or weaving them to make a glass cloth. Fiberglass insulation is available in many forms including batts, rolls, and loose-fill, which makes it highly adaptable.
Pros:
- Cost-effective
- Easy to install
- Available in various forms
Cons:
- Low R-value
- Can irritate the skin and lungs during installation
- Difficult to repair once damaged
Which type of insulation is right for you?
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution that’s the best insulation for homes in all circumstances. Rather, you may need to use various insulating materials in different areas of your home. You’ll also need to carefully consider R-value, climate, and your budget for installing insulation. Let’s dive into each of those factors in a little more detail.
R-value
R-value insulation ratings measure how well different insulation types resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the material insulates. Higher R-values are especially beneficial for attics and unfinished walls to ensure maximum thermal resistance. Before buying any thermal insulation materials, you should consult your local building codes for recommended R-values in your area.
Climate
Reflective insulation is beneficial in hot climates as it helps keep the heat out, whereas cold climates require higher R-value materials to retain heat. In regions with extreme temperature variations – like the panhandle region, for example – combining different types of insulation may offer more comprehensive protection against both heat and cold.
Installation area
Different areas of your home require specific thermal insulation solutions. For example, if you’re debating between spray foam insulation vs fiberglass loose-fill insulation in an area that requires both thermal resistance and moisture control, spray foam would be the better option. Here’s a quick reference summary of what works best where:
- Insulating attics – Spray foam, blown-in insulation, and reflective insulation
- Insulating walls – Rigid foam boards and cellulose insulation
- Insulating floors – Batts insulation and fiberglass insulation
- Insulating concrete forms – Mineral wool insulation
Budget
You’ll need to weigh the upfront investment against savings over time if you’re to select the best insulation material to reduce your cooling costs. For example, if you’re debating between installing foam board insulation or spray foam insulation vs batt insulation, you’ll likely get wildly different quotes for purchase and fitting. However, while options like insulation boards and spray foam have higher initial costs, they typically offer more substantial long-term energy savings over time.
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