Figuring out which type of insulation to use is so much easier when you have an idea of what the different types are, how effective they are, and where they are used. You want to make sure that you get the best product for the job that you can afford.

One of the slightly more expensive options out there is residential foam insulation. However, you will recoup your costs over time with the additional savings in energy costs that you will get through using expanding foam. Because it expands to fill any spaces where air and moisture might enter the home, it is one of the best types available. It is easily applied through a spray nozzle.

For something more affordable, you could get one of the forms of blow in insulation. Commonly used types include fiberglass (the most effective), mineral wool, and cellulose. You will need a thicker layer than you would if you used fiberglass or mineral wool batts, but this will save you some money and make it easier to insulate hard to reach areas.

More common in the UK, foam roof insulation is now becoming more popular in the US. In the past it wasn't used since it was believed that roofs needed to be vented. If your roof is vented you can still use it for your attic floor, however, it won't control the temperature of the attic as well.

One of the places you should be sure to insulate is your attic. Attic ceiling insulation is especially important since heat rises and you don't want all your heat in the winter to go right out through your roof. You want it to be trapped in the house and keeping your warm.

Although many people do not use garage door insulation, it can really help to regulate the temperature of your garage and make it a more useful place. You might also find that you save on your energy bill if you use it and have an attached garage. It is very easy to install yourself with kits available on the internet.

Anyone with a steam or hot water based heating system should also be sure that they are properly insulating their pipes with steam pipe insulation. Other types cannot withstand the temperatures of these pipes, and without the correct product you will lose heat quickly and it won't reach the farthest areas of your house.

Finally, cellular glass is a fire resistant, strong type of commercial insulation that is used for insulating roofs and special types of pipes and equipment, especially when there are either very hot or very cold temperatures involved or when it is important that the product be waterproof.

By: Simon Harris
Simon Harris writes about insulation at http://www.insulationanswers.com