Upgrading your home’s insulation can save energy and money, and help the environment also. To achieve the best results, though, it’s important to select the right type of insulation. There are four different kinds of home insulations. Here’s a look at each of them, including their advantages and disadvantages.

Batts and Rolls

People are generally most familiar with batts, or rolls, of insulation. These are the iconic bundles of insulation that many do-it-yourselfers use. Batts and rolls are used because they’re widely available at hardware stores, and easy to transport and install. If batts and rolls become compressed, their effectiveness will be compromised.

Since batts and rolls are the most familiar type of insulation, they’re R-value of 3.0-4.0 per inch provides a helpful reference point.

Blown-In or Loose-Fill

Blown-in insulation, also called loose-fill insulation, is primarily used in attics. It’s R-value is among the lowest of any insulations, at just 2.2 to 2.7 per inch, but it’s light enough to sit on top of most residential ceilings. It’s wispy strands will fill in any nooks and crannies in an attic.

Blown-in insulation loses its effectiveness at extremely cold temperatures, but this isn’t generally an issue in Las Vegas.

Spray Foam

Spray foam insulation is applied as a liquid that expands as it dries. As it expands to fill a space, it seals gaps and cracks -- thus preventing air leaks. Because it seals spaces, spray foam insulation can eliminate the need to caulk an area.

Spray foam insulation costs more than batts and rolls, but it’s also much more effective at keeping the heat out. Closed-cell polyurethane spray foam has an R-value up to 6.5 per inch -- twice that of some batts and rolls.

Foam Board

Foam boards are pre-constructed boards of insulation. They have a high R-value of up to 7.8, but they also have a high price. These boards are primarily used in new construction, as the insulation is built into the construction materials.

If you haven’t updated your home’s insulation recently, one of these types of home insulations may help you keep your energy bills under control. To find out if you could benefit from installing new insulation, take our Insulation Quiz.