What are the most energy efficient walls?
The cladding of an energy-efficient wall should include materials with low emissivity and high reflectivity so to limit the absorption of radiant heat. Two examples of energy-efficient cladding systems in the market are exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) and insulated metal wall panels.
Polyurethane foam
Polyurethane foams are fire resistant and make an effective insulation material. These foams contain non-chlorofluorocarbon (non-CFC) gas, helping to minimize the risks to the ozone layer. And If you are looking for a superb sound insulating option, polyurethane is a great choice.
The best wall construction for a passive house design includes continuous insulation (CI), an air and moisture barrier, and a high thermal mass building system, all elements of insulated concrete form (ICF) wall systems. ICF also contributes towards superior IEQ and passive survivability.
- Fiberglass Insulation. Fiberglass insulation is one of the options that is going to require tearing down your drywall. ...
- Foam Board Insulation. ...
- Spray Foam Insulation. ...
- Blown-In Cellulose Insulation. ...
- Injection Foam Insulation.
Internal wall insulation
If your home has solid walls– and therefore you can't install cavity wall insulation – and you're wondering how to make your home more energy efficient, internal wall insulation may be an option. Internal wall insulation involves fitting insulation boards to the walls inside your home.
Closed-cell foam is the most effective, with an insulation value of around R-6.2 per inch of thickness. Open-cell foam cells are not as dense and are filled with air, which gives the insulation a spongy texture. Open-cell foam insulation value is around R-3.7 per inch of thickness.
Due to their mass, walls made from CEB have good thermal features, reducing heating and cooling costs. If constructed well, buildings made with CEB can be sustainable and durable.
The Most Energy Efficient House Designs Feature ICFs
It's best to plan for energy efficiency before you even build your home, assuming you're building one. If you do get the chance to plan for energy efficiency from the very beginning, use an interlocking wall system such as ICFs, (Insulated Concrete Forms).
Unfortunately, if you're looking to save money with your home's insulation, fiberglass is by far the most cost-effective solution.
Aerogel, known as the “world's best insulating solid material,” is used to enhance the thermal performance of energy-saving materials and sustainable products for buildings, on- and off-shore industrial infrastructure and consumer products, as well as acting as a high performance additive to coatings and personal care ...