R-Value

Definition: A measure of thermal resistance used in the building and construction industry, indicating how well a material insulates.

Relevance to energy: Higher R-values indicate better insulation properties, which directly impacts the energy required for heating and cooling in buildings.

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Benefits:

• Helps in comparing insulation effectiveness
• Higher R-values lead to better energy efficiency
• Can contribute to lower heating and cooling costs

Drawbacks:

• Doesn't account for all factors affecting insulation performance
• Higher R-value materials are often more expensive
• Proper installation is crucial for achieving rated performance

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Statistics: The U.S. Department of Energy recommends R-values between R-30 and R-60 for attics in most U.S. climates, which can reduce heating costs by 10% to 50% compared to uninsulated or poorly insulated attics.