How Insulation Affects Comfort, Savings, and the Air You Breathe

When buying or building a home, insulation is often overlooked because it’s hidden behind the walls. Most homeowners only think about insulation when rooms feel uncomfortable or energy bills are too high. But insulation does more than control temperature and energy use—it can also affect the quality of the air your family breathes every day.

Insulation and Indoor Air Quality

Some insulation products, especially certain spray foam materials, can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the home. VOCs are chemicals that easily become gases and can remain in indoor air for long periods of time. Exposure to VOCs has been linked to headaches, eye and throat irritation, breathing problems, and other health concerns. Because insulation is sealed behind the walls, any harmful emissions may continue long after construction is complete

Why Certification Matters

Not all spray foam insulation is the same. While spray foam offers excellent air sealing and energy savings—especially important in the hot Rio Grande Valley climate—some products are made with cheaper, untested chemicals. The best way to protect indoor air quality is to choose spray foam that is GREENGUARD Certified, meaning the product has been screened for more than 15,000 VOCs and meets strict limits for chemical emissions, thus helping to protect the indoor environment.

Builders and Homebuyers Should Ask Questions

Many homeowners choose insulation based on price alone, but cost should not be the deciding factor. Custom homebuyers, in particular, have the power to choose what materials go into their homes. Important questions to ask include:

• Is the insulation formaldehyde-free?
• Is it low-emitting?
• Is it GREENGUARD Certified or Allergy & Asthma Friendly(AAFA)?

The air inside your home is the air your family will breathe for years to come. Any short-term savings from lower-cost insulation is small compared to the potential long-term impact on health and comfort.

Choosing the Right Insulation Company

Some insulation contractors focus on profit and use low-cost, untested products—especially spray foam. Valley Energy Specialist takes a different approach. This family-owned company has served the Rio Grande Valley for more than 26 years by building trust, delivering quality work, and putting safety first.

As a BUILT TO SAVE® installer, Valley Energy Specialist uses GREENGUARD Certified spray foam and other low-emitting insulation products because they believe comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality go hand in hand. Their focus is long-term performance and homeowner well-being, not shortcuts.

Choosing the Right Insulation Company

Some insulation contractors focus on profit and use low-cost, untested products—especially spray foam. Valley Energy Specialist takes a different approach. This family-owned company has served the Rio Grande Valley for more than 26 years by building trust, delivering quality work, and putting safety first.

As a BUILT TO SAVE® installer, Valley Energy Specialist uses GREENGUARD Certified spray foam and other low-emitting insulation products because they believe comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality go hand in hand. Their focus is long-term performance and homeowner well-being, not shortcuts.

A Smarter Insulation Choice

Insulation plays a major role in comfort and energy savings, but it also affects the air inside your home. Choosing certified, low-emitting insulation products—and working with experienced professionals like Valley Energy Specialist—helps ensure your home is not only efficient and comfortable, but also a healthier place in which to live.