Saving Energy: Insulating Your Home

When it comes to insulating your home, pink fiberglass isn’t the only option. Spray-on foam insulation is gaining popularity in the Midwest because of its many benefits.

How it works

Spray-on insulation is made of polyurethane foam – the same kind of insulation appliance manufacturers have used in refrigerators and water heaters for years.

The liquid polyurethane is pumped through pressurized spray nozzles – as it lands on the surface of your attic or side walls, it expands to form a continuous insulating barrier.

The benefits

Unlike traditional insulating materials like fiberglass or cellulose, spray foam insulation can seal and fill all the tiny cracks and seams you might not even see. The seamless material virtually eliminates energy-wasting air filtration.

In addition, polyurethane has the highest R-value for any given thickness compared to other insulation products. Because it provides a higher R-value per inch, homeowners using foam insulation can use 2x4 construction on exterior walls instead of the 2x6 studs required with traditional insulation.

This can save on framing costs, as well as extended window and door jambs. This simple change can also increase the amount of living space by as much as 35 square feet in a 1,500-square-foot home – the equivalent of an extra closet!

Foam insulation also helps control moisture condensation, it won’t shrink or settle, and it’s fire- and insect-resistant.

The drawbacks

Spray foam insulation is not a do-it-yourself project – you’ll need to hire a contractor certified in applying this new technology.

It’s also a messy process, so it’s better for new construction rather than existing homes. And using foam insulation in sidewalls may cause difficulties or delays if electrical and plumbing contractors aren’t familiar working around it.

The cost

The initial cost of using spray foam insulation runs about three times more than traditional materials. But keep in mind that the increase in R-value and air sealing will lower your utility bills by 30 percent - paying back the cost difference in energy savings in less than five years.

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Are you an Alliant Energy customer?

If you’re an Alliant Energy heating customer in Iowa or Minnesota, you can earn cash back when you upgrade your attic insulation.

Looking for an energy-smart insulation contractor or retailer?

Try Alliant Energy’s online Dealer Locator to find experts in your area.

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Brochures and fact sheets:

PowerHouse: Insulating Your Home
By Alliant Energy [PDF format]

Attic Insulation Fact Sheet
By the U.S. Department of Energy [PDF format]

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Learn more:

Foam and Foam Board Insulation
Reference brief from the U.S. Department of Energy

Insulation
Fact sheet from the U.S. Department of Energy

Simply Insulate
Advice from the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association

Insulation FAQs
Expert answers from the National Insulation Association