Understanding R-Value
One of the terms you'll hear from your builder is R-value. It may sound complicated at first, but the concept is fairly simple to understand - and it's crucial in determining the energy efficiency of your new home.
R-value is a measure of a material's thermal resistance, or how well it holds back heat gain or loss. The higher the R-value the better.
While high R-values are primarily achieved through insulation, other factors are also important. The materials used in building the foundation, framing and roof - and how they're put together - can play a big part in increasing the potential R-value.
Different areas of the home have different recommended R-values, depending on how what materials are used and how much space is available for insulation. The list below shows the recommended R-values for homes in the Alliant Energy service territory:
Keep in mind that the elements of your home are designed to work together - sacrificing efficiency in one area can reduce or even negate energy savings in another area. The recommended efficiency levels are intended to be part of a whole-house "system."
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