Thermal performance of fiberglass and cellulose attic insulations

A series of experiments has been completed on the thermal performance of fiberglass and cellulose attic insulations under winter conditions using an attic test module in a guarded hot box facility. Experiments with one type of loose-fill fiberglass insulation showed that the thermal resistance at large temperature differences (70 to 76{degrees}F) was about 35 to 50% less than at small temperature differences. The additional heat flow, attributed to natural convection, was effectively eliminated by applying a covering of fiberglass batts or a combination of a polyethylene film and fiberglass blankets. No significant convection was found either with fiberglass batts or with one type of loose-fill cellulose. Using the experimental data along with an attic model, the additional energy costs due to convection in the coldest climate investigated were estimated to be $$0.025/ft{sup 2}yr to $$0.028/ft{sup 2}yr at the R-19 level and $$0.014/ft{sup 2}yr at the R-38 level. For the same conditions, annual energy savings due to upgrading insulation from the R-19 to the R-38 level were estimated to be $$0.046/ft{sup 2}yr to $0.070/ft{sup 2}yr.