Tips on Insulating Your Home

Insulation is one of those key items in a house that is often taken for granted. It helps keep a home comfortable and can reduce heating and cooling costs. But if the insulation is installed improperly as it was in Pasadena, California, it will decrease effectiveness and could become a health hazard.

The vapor-barrier facing on the insulation is there to protect your walls, floor and ceiling from moisture damage. It also serves as a guide to proper installation and contains information about the insulation. If you are not sure which side is up or down when installing, remember this general rule: if you can read the writing on the vapor barrier, it's installed backwards.

Place the vapor barrier toward the area it will insulate. If you placing the insulation in an attic, the barrier will be on the bottom. If you are putting insulation in a crawl space under the floor, the vapor barrier will be on top. Inside walls, the barrier should face toward the lived-in side of the room.

Once you've got the insulation facing the right way, remember to cover all appropriate areas and don't leave any unnecessary gaps. Insulate properly and you'll get the most out of your heating and cooling systems.