Table of Contents

Introduction1
Review of Literature.4
Problem Statement.11
Experimental Design..12
Data and Observations..16
Data Analysis and Interpretation..22
Conclusion...30
Appendix A: Insulation Installation...34
Appendix B: LabQuest Set-Up.37
Appendix C: Sample Calculations38
Works Cited.39

Evert-Giffin
Introduction
It is no secret that many people worry about paying their high energy bill.
Many companies have tried to determine ways that will reduce the cost of energy
bills. Some of the most popular ways include turning off unnecessary lights,
turning down the thermostat, and most of all, insulating the home.
The purpose of this experiment was to determine which of the three
insulations, fiberglass, spray foam, and loose-fill insulation, was the most
effective in reducing heat transfer. To do this, a wooden box was made using
plywood with one piece of wood dividing the box in half (Appendix A). A total of
four boxes were created, three with insulation in one of the compartments and
one box without any insulation. A hair dryer was placed in the compartment with
the insulation and was used to heat the compartment. Because insulation does
not stop heat transfer, but prevents heat transfer, heat transfer in the form of
conduction took place. To determine if the heat transfer from compartment one to
compartment two was reduced, the initial temperature and final temperature were
determined for both compartments and then the change in temperature in each
was calculated. The lowest change in temperature was considered to be the best
insulation. To find this, the results were analyzed and multiple statistical tests
were completed. The results of these tests showed which of the three insulation
used was the most effective in reducing heat transfer.
To compare insulations, companies use R-values. R-values represent the
effectiveness of the insulation. R-values are usually measured per inch and are

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calculated based on width of the insulation applied. The higher the R-value, the
better it insulates per inch.
The first insulation that was used was fiberglass insulation. Fiberglass
insulation is the most widely used type of insulation due to the fact that it is easy
to install in ceilings, walls, and floors. Also, fiberglass insulation has an R-value of
approximately 3-4 per inch. For this experiment, an R-value of approximately 13
was used. However, some types of fiberglass insulation contain Phenol
Formaldehyde, which is a binder that is linked to some forms of cancer,
specifically lung cancer. Phenol Formaldehyde is currently being phased out due
to the environmental impact (Huber).
The second type of insulation used was loose-fill cellulose insulation.
Loose-fill cellulose insulation is best to use in ceilings, enclosed existing walls,
unfinished attic floors, and other hard to reach places. The main advantage of
loose-fill cellulose insulation is that it is effective at any temperature making it
great for homes and offices in any climate. This effectiveness at all temperatures
contributes to high R-value of this insulation. In this experiment, the loose-fill
insulation had an R-value of approximately 3.2-3.8 per inch, and an overall Rvalue of approximately 60. There are no major environmental impacts associated
with loose-fill cellulose insulation other than dust (Huber).
The final type of insulation that was used in this experiment was spray
foam insulation. Spray foam insulation is applied as a liquid and then hardens in
order to reduce heat transfer (Insulation). The main advantage to spray foam
insulation is that it stops the movement of air, however, sometimes it allows
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moisture to pass through. Spray foam has an R-value of approximately 1.5-1.6
per inch, for a total R-value of approximately 2. Spray foam insulation is relatively
expensive and requires professional insulation. However, spray foam insulation
can be used in walls, floors, and ceilings. One environmental impact to be
worried about with spray foam insulation is that during insulation, chemicals can
be released which may cause asthma and other health problems. This problem
can be avoided as long as a person is not in contact with the insulation for
approximately three days (Huber).
The results of this project could easily be applied to everyday lives in the
fact that companies and homeowners are always trying to reduce heating and
cooling costs. Because this research determined which insulation was the most
effective of the fiberglass insulation, loose-fill cellulose insulation, and spray foam
insulation, companies and homeowners could use this information to minimize
heating and cooling costs.

Evert-Giffin
Review of Literature
Heat is the transfer of energy from one body to another as a result of a
difference in temperature or a change in phase (Franck and Brownstone 458).
This difference in temperature is caused by the difference in kinetic energy of
atoms in a substance. When a substance is heated, the atoms of the substance
begin to move faster which creates friction between the atoms and therefore
creates the increase in temperature. As a result of the increase in temperature in
one substance or area, the heat naturally transfers to another substance or area
that is near the first. This process causes a system to be in thermal equilibrium,
which is where the two parts of a system are at equal temperatures (Yunus).
Heat is transferred through many mechanisms, which can be classified
into three main groups. One main method that heat is transferred through is
conduction. Conduction is when regions with greater molecular kinetic energy will
pass thermal energy to regions with less molecular energy through molecular
collisions, and only occurs through solids (Introduction). Convection, which
can only occur in liquids and gases, is when heat conducts into a static fluid and
leads it to a local volumetric expansion. Then the expanded fluid parcel become
buoyant and displaces particles, which transports heat by fluid motion. In other
words, as a liquid or gas is heated, the hot region of the fluid or gas expands and
becomes less dense than the surrounding liquid. Thus, the liquid or gas rises and
the cooler liquid or gas flows in to fill the space. Then this process is continually
repeated with the new cool liquid or gas. As a result of this continuous process, a
warm convection current circulates and the entire system becomes warm
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Evert-Giffin
(Liebenson 69). Radiation is when all of the materials radiate thermal energy in
amounts that are determined by temperature. During this the energy is carried by
photons of light in the infrared and visible portions of the electromagnetic
spectrum (Introduction). Radiation energy, specifically infrared radiation
which is when objects emit heat radiation that consists of radiant energy
frequencies that lie in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, and
occurs when an object emits infrared radiation as a result of the changes in the
energy states of its constituent atoms or molecules when they become cooler.
Thus heat energy is converted into radiant energy. Overall, the amount of energy
that is radiated depends on the temperature of the object; thus when the object is
at a higher temperature, the object will emit radiant energy at a greater rate
(Liebenson 70).
In this experiment, heat transfer in the form of conduction will take place.
One of the most common events where this form of heat transfer takes place is in
houses. Heating systems heat the houses, but heat still escapes through the walls.
To solve this problem, insulation is used within the walls.
To be considered effective, insulation must seal a space so that heat
transfer between areas is as minimal as possible. To determine how effective a
particular form of insulation is, an R-value is calculated by using the following
equation:

R=

T
Q

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In this equation,

T represents the change in temperature and Q

represents heat transfer per unit area per unit time (Huber). As the R-value
increases, the insulation is considered more effective. The majority of the time,
an entire walls R-value is calculated. This is done by calculating the R-value of
each section of wall using the equation above and then adding all of those values
together.
Finding the correct insulation for a house is dependent on many different
factors including location of insulation, how much is needed, cost, and local
availability. So although the insulation with the highest R-value would be
considered the most effective, it may not be the best type of insulation for a
particular situation.
In houses today, a variety of insulations are used, some in combinations
with others. The most common forms of insulation include: blankets (in the form
of batts or rolls), blown-in loose-fill, foam insulation, rigid insulation, and reflective
insulation. Each of these types of insulation specializes in different ways of
insulating. In this experiment, loose-fill, foam, and fiberglass insulation were
used. Blown-in loose-fill insulation is most commonly used in wall cavities. It is
also appropriate for unfinished attic floors, for irregularly shaped areas, and for
filling in around obstructions. Loose-fill insulation prevents heat transfer through
its free form shape. The granules of this insulation fall together and fill in the
space to prevent the heat from transferring. Foam insulation is usually made up
of polyurethane and can be produced in two forms: open-cell and closed-cell.

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Closed celled foams tend to have higher R-values than open-celled foams. This
is due to the fact that closed-celled foams are very close and packed together so
they do not let the heat escape, as opposed to the open-celled foams. So, in
theory, closed-cell foams are able to trap the air better and therefore provide a
greater R-value (Desjarlais). Fiberglass insulation is generally used to cover
large amounts of space in walls and can be found fairly cheaply making it one of
the most common forms of insulation. The air is able to weave in and out of the
fibers trapping it and therefore creating a relatively high R-value as shown in
Figure 1 below.

Figure 1. Heat Transfer in Fiberglass Insulation

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The above figure shows how fiberglass insulation prevents heat transfer in
a closed system. The silica molecules do allow for some air molecules to transfer
from one part of a system to another. However, the fiberglass insulation contains
fibers that catch the air molecules that have made it into the insulation (Saving
Energy).
Insulation works because of a tight seal. This is why it is expected that the
spray foam will be the most effective insulation. Spray foam insulation (bought in
closed cell form) will be sprayed into the space and then expand to fit perfectly
not allowing air to escape through the walls because of tightly woven molecules
(Binford). Other insulations have to be cut or blown in and dont have a perfect
airtight seal. Spray foam insulation also has the largest known R-value of 0.76
1.46 (Huber). However, an R-value may vary depending on how much is used
and the amount of space that it is covering making this R-value an estimate.
Considering how this particular insulation works, along with a relatively high Rvalue convinced the researchers that spray-foam insulation will be the most
effective.
Insulation companies have been doing this type of experiment since they
were created. However, because there are so many factors that contribute to
finding the best insulation, each situation may have a different insulation being
the most effective. To find the highest R-value, companies have done similar
experiments to the one that will be completed. Multiple experiments use boxes to
simulate a room and then test different insulations. One such experiment was
completed by a middle school student in 2005. This student also built a box out
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of plywood to simulate a room. However, instead of using loose-fill, sprayfoam,
and fiberglass insulations, he used two different amounts of both Styrofoam and
fiberglass. In his experiment, he used water to gauge how the temperature
changes whereas this experiment will be using the temperature in a conjoined
room. The results of his experiment yielded the greater amount of fiberglass as
the most effective insulator when compared to Styrofoam. This experiment,
though done by a young student, was supervised by a teacher, and placed
second in the Washington State Science and Engineering Fair on April 1, 2005
for its achievements (Adam).
Up until recently, fiberglass insulation was considered to be the most
effective insulation, however it was not actually proven. The reason fiberglass
insulation was so widely used was because it was more cost effective for
covering large spaces. Recent research has shown that spray-foam insulation is
better. However, this was not based on experimentation, but on the simple fact
that fiberglass leaves holes for the warm air to escape, whereas foam insulation
expands after being sprayed to fit perfectly into the space creating an airtight seal
(Binford).
Because heating bills are rising, the search for the best form of insulation
is even more important. Heat is transferred through rooms in the form of
conduction. To keep the heat in the room, the most effective insulation will create
an airtight seal not allowing heat to pass through. To measure how effective the
insulation is, an R-value will be calculated. The higher the R-value, the more
effective the insulation is. Though there are many factors that will affect the best
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insulation, the most effective can be found by testing each form of insulation in
simulated rooms. It has been predicted that the foam insulation will be the most
effective because it will create an airtight seal and will let the least amount of
warm air out of the room. To find the amount of heat being transferred, the
experimenters will not be using the temperature of water in the room, but the
temperature of another room attached to the room being heated. This will provide
a more real-life situation and lead to the discovery of the most effective
insulation.

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Problem Statement
Problem:
To determine the effectiveness of different types of insulation on the heat
transfer in a closed system.
Hypothesis:
The spray foam insulation will allow the least amount of heat transfer;
therefore, it will be the most effective insulation.
Data Measured:
The independent variable in this experiment was the three different types
of insulation (fiberglass, spray foam, and loose-fill). The dependent variable in
this experiment was the change in temperature in the non-insulated compartment
while the heat source was turned on for three minutes, and was measured in
degrees Celsius. A total of 120 data trials were conducted (30 per box).
Afterwards, an ANOVA test and multiple two-sample t-tests were used for the
statistical analysis.

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Experimental Design
Materials:
Can of Spray Foam Insulation
(1 Roll) Fiberglass Insulation
(1 Package)Loose-fill Insulation
Hair Dryer (1875 Watts)
(4) Wooden Boxes with Separating Wall in Center
Vernier Lab Quest
(2) Temperature Probes (0.01C)
Extension Cord
Procedures:
Be aware of safety precautions. Wear gloves and masks when handling the
heater and insulation.
1.

Randomize all trials in order to ensure accurate results accurate results,

allocating thirty trials per insulation.

2.

Connect the two temperature probes to the Lab Quest.

3.

Set up Lab Quest (See Appendix B).

4.

Connect Heat Source to extension cord and place the hair dryer in the
wooden box on the side with the insulation in it.

5.

Place temperature probe one into the compartment with insulation and
temperature probe two into the empty compartment, using the holes in the
lid. Note: Be sure that the probe does not come into contact with the heat
source.

6.

Secure box lid using latch.

7.

Record original temperatures in both compartments on the data tables.

8.

Turn the hair dryer on.

9.

After 180 seconds, record final temperatures in both compartments and

turn off the hair dryer.

10.

Repeat steps 2-9 for the other forms of insulation. Note: Allow boxes to
return to room temperature before running another trial on that box.

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Wooden Box

HairDryer

LabQuest

Temperature
Probes

Extension
Cord

Figure 2. Materials
Figure 2 shows all of the necessary materials for the procedure. The
materials include the four different types of insulation, four wooden boxes, two
temperature probes, one Vernier Lab Quest, timer, and heat source. The diagram
shows one of the four boxes with a separating wall between one type of
insulation and an empty wooden box. During the procedure, the hair dryer will be
turned on in the insulated compartment and the temperature probes measure the
temperatures inside the different sides of the box.

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Figure 3. Fiberglass Insulation

Figure 3 above the fiberglass insulation used in one of the wooden boxes
that was used in trials.

Figure 4. Spray foam Insulation

Figure 4 above shows the spray foam insulation used in one of the
wooden boxes during trials.

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Figure 5. Loose-fill Insulation

Figure 5 above shows the wooden box with the loose-fill insulation. On the
right side of the box, there is a wooden panel that was placed in the box in order
to avoid insulation being sucked into the heat source.

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Data and Observations
Table 1
Wood Data and Observations
Trial
Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
Trial

Initial
Temperature
Comp 2 (C)

Final
Temperature
Comp 2 (C)

22.8
23.6
24.5
23.6
22.9

26.9
29.1
29.8
27.8
28.1

23.8
25.4

34.8
29.2

23.5
24.8
23.2
20.8
24.2
22.3

34.0
32.5
32.4
28.6
33.0
30.4

22.8
24.7

32.8
30.6

21.0
28.3

31.8
33.0

20.5
27.7
20.6
20.6
21.3
22.8
22.4
21.5
20.6
21.0
21.7
Initial

34.6
36.8
29.9
28.6
27.8
28.6
29.3
28.6
27.4
26.7
29.6
Final
16

Temperature
Comp 2 (C)

Observations

Turned hair dryer toward

4.1 separating Wall
5.5
5.3
4.2
5.2
Only had three minutes to
11 cool from previous trial
3.8
Only three minutes to cool
10.5
from previous trial
7.7
9.2
7.8
8.8
8.1
Only three minutes to cool
10.0 from previous trial
5.9
Only three minutes to cool
10.8 from previous trial
4.7
Only three minutes to cool
14.1 from previous trial
9.1
9.3
8.0
6.5
5.8
6.9
7.1
6.8
5.7
7.9

Observations

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Number
29
30
Averages

Temperature
Compartmen
t 2 (C)
21.9

Temperature
Compartmen
t 2 (C)
30.9

22.2

33.9

22.9

30.6

Temperature
Compartmen
t 2 (C)
9.0
Only three minutes to cool
11.7 from previous trial
s x =2.4977
7.7

Table 1 shows the initial and final temperatures for the second
compartment in the control box. This box had no insulation in it and was used to
compare to the boxes where insulation was applied. The change in temperature
was calculated by subtracting the initial temperature from the final temperature.
The first compartment housed the hair dryer. The second compartment, whose
data was shown above, was the focus of the experiment because there was no
heating source in that container meaning any increase in temperature was due to
heat transfer from the other side.
Table 2
Spray Foam Data and Observations
Initial
Final
Trial
Temperature
Temperature
Number
Comp 2 (C)
Comp 2 (C)

Temperature
Comp 2 (C)

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Trial

Initial

24.2
22.3
22.8
24.7

26.9
25.3
26.7
30.2

21.0
28.3
20.5
27.7
20.6

27.5
30.6
25.5
30.0
23.7
Final
17

Observations

Pointed hair dryer on a

diagonal to be able to
2.7 fit in box
3.0
3.9
5.5
Only three minutes to
6.5 cool from previous trial
2.3
5.0
2.3
3.1
Observations

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Number
10
11
12
13

Temperature
Comp 2 (C)
20.6
21.3
22.8

Temperature
Comp 2 (C)
25.6
25.5
26.5

22.4
21.5

28.2
26.5

20.6
21.0
21.7
21.9
22.2
22.9

23.6
24.5
26.8
27.3
25.3
25.4

23.0
29.3
25.0
25.6
23.6

29.3
32.6
29.6
29.8
25.9

27
28
29
30

28.9
24.6
23.5
25.6
26.2

30.5
30.0
28.6
29.9
29.6

Averages

23.5

27.6

14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26

Temperature
Comp 2 (C)
5.0
4.2
3.7
Only three minutes to
5.8 cool from previous trial
5.0
Hair dryer shut of four
seconds before normal
3.0 three minutes
3.5
5.1
5.4
3.1
2.5
Only three minutes to
6.3 cool from previous trial
3.3
4.6
4.2
2.3
Box lid was missing
one piece of duct tape
1.6 previously used
5.4
5.1
4.3
3.4
s x =1.3137
4.0

Table 2 shows the initial and final temperatures for the second
compartment in the box insulated with spray foam. The change in temperature
was calculated by subtracting the initial temperature from the final temperature.
The first compartment housed the hair dryer and the foam insulation. The second
compartment, whose data was shown above, was the focus of the experiment

18

Evert-Giffin
because there was no heating source in that container meaning any increase in
temperature was due to heat transfer from the other side.
Table 3
Fiberglass Data and Observations
Initial
Final
Trial
Temperature
Temperature
Number
Comp 2 (C)
Comp 2 (C)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27

23.1
25.4
25.3
25.9
22.6

24.4
29.2
28.1
29.8
26.6

17.2
19.4
23.1
24.4
25.9
21.3
23.8
18.3
20.3

24.9
22.5
28.0
26.3
30.5
25.9
28.3
24.5
26.3

20.3

27.5

20.5
20.4
21.5
21.7
22.8
22.4

29.3
26.5
27.8
25.6
26.8
27.3

21.5
20.6
21.0
21.7

28.9
24.9
23.5
26.8

22.0
23.5

28.6
29.9
19

Temperature
Comp 2 (C)

Observations

Turned hair dryer on a

diagonal to fit inside the
1.3 box
3.8
2.8
3.9
4.0
Only three minutes to
7.7 cool from previous trial
3.1
4.9
1.9
4.6 Readjusted Insulation
4.6
4.5
6.2
6.0
Only three minutes to
7.2 cool from previous trial
Only three minutes to
8.8 cool from previous trial
6.1
6.3
3.9 Readjusted Insulation
4.0
4.9
Only three minutes to
7.4 cool from previous trial
4.3
2.5
5.1
Only three minutes to
6.6 cool from previous trial
6.4

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Trial
Number
28
29
30
Averages

Initial
Temperature
Comp 2 (C)
24.0
22.1
20.0

Final
Temperature
Comp 2 (C)
27.6
28.5
26.5

22.1

27.0

Temperature
Observations
Comp 2 (C)
3.6
6.4 Readjusted Insulation
6.5
s x =1.7936
4.9

Table 3 shows the initial and final temperatures for the second
compartment in the box insulated with fiberglass. The change in temperature was
calculated by subtracting the initial temperature from the final temperature. The
first compartment housed the hair dryer and the fiberglass insulation. The second
compartment, whose data was shown above, was the focus of the experiment
because there was no heating source in that container meaning any increase in
temperature was due to heat transfer from the other side.
Table 4
Loose-Fill Data and Observations
Initial
Final
Trial
Temperature Temperature
Number
Comp 2 (C) Comp 2 (C)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

23.1
24.4

26.3
26.0

25.9
21.3
23.8
18.3
20.3
20.3
20.5
20.4
21.5
21.7
22.8

30.0
22.6
25.2
19.4
22.4
21.0
22.3
22.1
22.4
23.0
24.8
20

Temperature
Comp 2 (C)

Observations

Hair dryer was placed on a piece

of wood with a backing pointed
3.2 toward separating wall
1.6
Only three minutes to cool from
4.1 previous trial
1.3
1.4 Readjusted Insulation
1.1
2.1
0.7 Top wasnt closed completely
1.8
1.7
0.9 Readjusted Insulation
1.3
2.0

Evert-Giffin
Initial
Temperature
Comp 2 (C)

Final
Temperature
Comp 2 (C)

22.4
21.5
20.6
21.0
21.7
21.9

22.8
22.0
21.9
22.3
23.9
24.1

21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30

22.2
22.9
23.0
29.3
25.0
25.6
23.6
28.9
24.6
23.5
25.6

25.3
24.2
25.6
30.5
27.2
28.0
24.6
30.2
27.5
25.5
27.3

Averages

22.9

24.7

Trial
Number
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

Temperature
Comp 2 (C)

Observations

Hole that extension cord ran

0.4 through wasnt taped shut
0.5
1.3
1.3
2.2
2.2
Only three minutes to cool from
3.1 previous trial
1.3
2.6
1.2
2.2 Readjusted Insulation
2.4
1.0
1.3
2.9 Readjusted Insulation
2.0
1.7
s x =0.8435
1.8

Table 4 shows the initial and final temperatures for the second
compartment in the box insulated with spray loose-fill. The change in
temperature was calculated by subtracting the initial temperature from the final
temperature. The first compartment housed the hair dryer and the loose-fill
insulation. The second compartment, whose data was shown above, was the
focus of the experiment because there was no heating source in that container
meaning any increase in temperature was due to heat transfer from the other
side.

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Data Analysis and Interpretation
In this experiment to determine the effect of insulation on heat transfer,
multiple steps were taken to ensure that accurate data was collected. The first
step taken was adding a control. In this experiment, three insulations were
tested. The control box had no insulation in it and was used to make sure that the
data collected was reasonable. For example, the temperature change in any of
the boxes with insulation must be lower than the temperature change in the
control box with no insulation whatsoever. Repetition was used to ensure
accurate data. Each box had thirty trials performed with it creating a total of 120
data points. This helped to determine outliers that needed to be redone or
examined and reduced variability. Another step that was taken was randomizing
the order in which the different boxes were tested using the random integer
function on a TI-Nspire calculator. This was done to reduce any bias. Finally, all
trials were done in the same location under similar conditions. Therefore, all of
the lurking variables would be occur equally in all trials and differences in
outcomes could be attributed only to the factor that was being tested.
The data was recorded through experimentation with three different types
of insulation: spray foam, fiberglass, and loose-fill. There was also a control with
just a wood divider with no insulation. The side with the insulation was heated up
with a hairdryer and the change in temperature was measured on the other side
of the dividing wall between the two compartments.

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Table 5
Table of Average Changes in Temperature
Wood (C)
Spray Foam (C)
7.6833
4.0367

Fiberglass (C)
4.9767

Loose-Fill (C)
1.76

Table 5 shows the average changes in temperature in the second

compartments for each of the four boxes. The wood, the control without any
insulation had the highest average change of temperature of 7.6833 C. This
makes sense because there was nothing standing in the way between the heat
source and the second compartment besides a piece of inch plywood. The
other three averages had a much lower temperature change. The loose-fill had
the least amount of heat transfer leading to the possibility that it was the most
effective insulation.

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7.7
5

5.7
3.8

9.2
14.
1

x =7.68
3.9 4.7
5

1.3

6.4
8.8

x =4.98
3

4.0
5

1.6
1.6
1.35 2.2
0.4

5.1
6.5

x =4.04
3.2

4.1

x =1.76
Temperature (C)

Figure 6. Box Plots of Data

Figure 6 shows the distributions of the changes in temperature for each of
the four boxes. The wood distribution was slightly right skewed and had the
biggest range out of the four boxes meaning that that data varied quite a bit. This
distribution also had the highest mean. The fiberglass distribution was fairly
symmetrical but had the second biggest range meaning the data was still
scattered. Over 75% of the fiberglass distribution overlapped with the wood
distribution meaning that in those data points, it did not matter whether the
fiberglass insulation was there or not, the same temperature change occurred
between fiberglass and wood. However, because the medians were fairly far
apart, there may have been a significant difference. Due to this uncertainty, a

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two-sample t Test was conducted. The spray foam distribution was normally
distributed with the second smallest range. A little more than 50% of the spray
foam distribution overlapped the wood distribution meaning in those trials that the
spray foam made no difference in the change in temperature. However, because
the medians were fairly far apart, there may have been an overall significant
difference. Due to this uncertainty, a two-sample t Test was conducted. The
loose-fill distribution was fairly symmetrical and had the smallest range and
mean. The only overlap between the loose fill and the wood distributions was an
outlier. Because there was only one data point that overlapped, the loose fill was
estimated to be the most significant.
The first statistical test that was used to analyze this data was an ANOVA
test. This was appropriate because this test was used to determine whether there
are any significant differences between the means of three or more independent
groups. This test determines the p-value that is used to reject or fail to reject the
null hypothesis. The null hypothesis is that all of the mean changes in
temperature are equal. The alternative hypothesis is that two or more of the
values will be unequal. Because the wood boxs data is tested as well, if the null
hypothesis is rejected then there is no evidence to support that the insulations
did not make any difference. If it fails to reject the null hypothesis then there is
evidence to support that the insulations did not make any difference.

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Figure 7. Results from ANOVA Test

The ANOVA test produced a p-value of 1.1952x10 -23 which lead to the
rejection of the null hypothesis that all of the means were equal. This means that
there was strong evidence that the insulations made a significant difference.
There is a 0% chance of getting results this extreme by chance alone assuming
that the null hypothesis was true.
To check which of the three insulations had a significant effect, a twosample t-test was performed with each of the insulations and the control. A twosample t-test was used because two sets of independently collected data were
tested without the knowledge of a population standard deviation. The null
hypothesis was that the two means were equal. The alternative hypothesis was
that the insulation mean was less than the controls.

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Evert-Giffin
Loose Fill:
H0: wood = loosefill
Ha: wood > loosefill
These hypotheses have the first mean as the mean change in temperature of the
wood and the second as the loose fill insulation. When the data was plugged into
the t-test equation (Appendix C), it yielded a p-value of 1.1318x10 -14 which is
much less than the alpha level of 0.05 leading to the rejection of the null
hypothesis. There is strong evidence to support that the loose fill insulation had
an effect on the change in temperature. There is a 0% chance of getting results
this extreme by chance alone assuming that the null hypothesis is true.
A 95% confidence interval was calculated from the data. We can be 95%
confident that the true population mean of the difference in temperature between
wood and loose fill will be within the interval of 4.94672C-6.89995C.
Spray Foam:
H0: wood = foam
Ha: wood > foam
These hypotheses have the first mean as the mean change in temperature of the
wood and the second as the spray foam insulation. When the data was plugged
into the t-test equation (Appendix C), it yielded a p-value of 4.3748x10 -9 which is
much less than the alpha level of 0.05 leading to the rejection of the null
hypothesis. There is strong evidence to support that the spray foam insulation
had an effect on the change in temperature. There is a 0% chance of getting
results this extreme by chance alone assuming that the null hypothesis is true.

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A 95% confidence interval was calculated from the data. We can be 95%
confident that the true population mean of the difference in temperature between
wood and spray foam will be within the interval of 2.61111C-4.68889C.
Fiberglass:
H0: wood = fiberglass
Ha: wood > fiberglass
These hypotheses have the first mean as the mean change in temperature of the
wood and the second as the fiberglass insulation. When the data was plugged
into the t-test equation (Appendix C), it yielded a p-value of 6.2867x10 -6 which is
much less than the alpha level of 0.05 leading to the rejection of the null
hypothesis. There is strong evidence to support that the fiberglass insulation had
an effect on the change in temperature. There is a 0% chance of getting results
this extreme by chance alone assuming that the null hypothesis is true.
A 95% confidence interval was calculated from the data. We can be 95%
confident that the true population mean of the difference in temperature between
wood and fiberglass will be within the interval of 1.58042C-3.83292C.
According to the ANOVA test, it was determined that the average changes
in temperatures for all of the boxes were significantly different meaning that
insulation in general had a significant effect on the transfer of heat between the
first and second compartments. According to each t-test, all of the insulations had
significant effects. The loose fill had the most significant effect on the heat
transfer based on the lowest average change in temperature and the lowest pvalue. The spray foam insulation had the second lowest mean and p-value, and

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was determined to decrease change in temperature significantly, but not as
significantly as the loose fill. The fiberglass insulation also was found to be
significant but had a higher mean and p-value than that of the other insulations
making it the least effective of the three.

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Conclusion
The purpose of the experiment was to determine the effectiveness of
fiberglass, spray foam, and loose fill insulations on the heat transfer in a closed
system by measuring the average change in temperature. The hypothesis that
the spray foam insulation will allow the least amount of heat transfer, and is
therefore the most effective insulation, was rejected.
In this experiment, the effectiveness of insulation was tested by measuring
heat transfer in a closed system by recording the change in temperatures from
each compartment. The heat source was in the compartment that contained the
insulation. When the heat was lost by that compartment, the heat was not
destroyed, but transferred to the other compartment and the outside through the
walls. The temperature was measured in the compartment without the insulation
because the only way that the compartment could have gained heat was through
that wall and because of that heat source. Then the average temperature change
in the second compartment for all of the insulations was compared to estimate
the average amount of heat lost from the system.
It was hypothesized that the spray foam insulation would be considered
the most effective based on the fact that it expands to seal the space which
leaves no room for heat to escape the compartment. However, this hypothesis
was rejected because the spray foam insulation had an average change in
temperature of 4.04 degrees Celsius. This is opposed to the loose fill insulation
that had an average change in temperature of 1.76 degrees Celsius. Since the

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loose fill insulation had the lowest average change in temperature, it was
determined to be the most effective insulation.
These results that the loose-fill insulation was the most effective insulation
in preventing the heat transfer do agree with most research accepted by the
scientific community. Of the three insulations that were compared: fiberglass,
spray foam, and loose-fill, the loose-fill insulation had the highest R-value of
approximately sixty (Estimated/Average R-Value Chart). The loose-fill insulation
had a higher R-value because it was able to trap the heat inside of the insulation
itself due to the open-cells. The open cells are due to the manufacturing process
of the loose-fill insulation. The manufacturer uses recycled materials such as
newspaper and boxes and then the materials are fiberized and sprayed with
chemicals that provide fire and insect resistance. This process always the
granules to become unequal sizes that will nest together when in any space that
is trying to be insulated. The fibers on the cells, created from the fiberization
process, catch any heat molecules that break the initial barrier of the insulation.
This was much more effective than fiberglass and spray foam insulation because
fiberglass and spray foam insulation do not trap the heat that is being transferred.
Instead, the two insulations either reflect the heat back into the system or allow
the heat to leave the system.
Some errors that could have skewed the results of the research that
occurred include the construction of the box, the overheating of the heat source,
and the cooling time for the box. The box was constructed by hand so there were
gaps in the box that possibly lead to heat escaping from the box. In order to try to

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stop this escape of heat, spray foam insulation was added to fill the gaps, but
likely not all of the gaps were filled. As for the overheating of the heat source, the
hair dryer would automatically shut off sometimes during trials right before the
trial was done. This likely lead to the box not being raised to the proper
temperature so a correct reading was not made. Finally, each box was supposed
to be allowed to cool for a total of five minutes after each trial, but in some cases
the box was only allowed to be cooled for three minutes which means it could
have still been transferring heat from the previous trial, causing the
measurements to be inaccurate.
To further research this topic researchers could test the effectiveness of
insulations in another type of system, other than the wooden box used in the
experiment. A more secured type of system could lead to differing results
because the box was not always sealed as shown in the Data and Observations.
However, it would do no good to test different sizes of the loose fill insulation
because the size of the granules are random sizes as they are divided by a
machine at various manufacturers.
All in all, the original hypothesis that the spray foam insulation was the
most effective insulation was rejected. Instead, it was determined that the loose
fill insulation was the most effective insulation due to the fact that it had the
lowest average change in temperature of the three insulations and the control.
Due to the fact that the loose-fill insulation had the lowest average change in
temperature, homeowners should place loose-fill insulation in their homes to cut
down the cost of energy bills. This experiment is of a value to society because as
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heating bill continue to rise, more and more homeowners are trying to cut back
bills by insulation their homes.

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Appendix A: Insulation Installation
Fiberglass Insulation
Procedure:
Caution: Always wear protective eye wear, mouth mask, and gloves when
handling insulation.
1. Select fiberglass insulation.
2. Cut two pieces of fiberglass insulation that are 100 cm x 100 cm x 2 cm.
3. Cut two more pieces of fiberglass insulation that are 180 cm x 100 cm x
2 cm.
4. Cut one piece of fiberglass insulation that is 100 cm x 180 cm x 2 cm.
5. Use staple gun to staple each piece of fiberglass insulation to the inside of
the compartment on the right side of the box, as shown in the diagram
below.
Diagram:

Figure 8. Fiberglass Insulation

The above figure shows the wooden box after the fiberglass insulation
was installed.

Spray Foam Insulation

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Evert-Giffin
Procedure:
Caution: Always wear protective eye wear, mouth mask, and gloves when
handling insulation.
1. Shake can if insulation as directed.
2. Apply application nozzle to can as directed.
3. Spray foam insulation on the inside right compartment of the wooden box until
the layer is approximately 2.5 cm thick, as shown in diagram below.
4. Let insulation harden for eight hours.
Diagram:

Figure 9. Spray Foam Insulation

The figure above shows the wooden box after the spray foam insulation
was installed.

Loose-Fill Insulation

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Evert-Giffin
Procedure:
Caution. Always wear protective eye wear, mouth mask, and gloves when
handling insulation.
1. Spray liquid adhesive on one side of the right compartment on the wooden
box.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Immediately take loose-fill insulation and stick to spray adhesive.

Let sit for one hour.
Remove excess insulation.
Repeat steps 1-4 until each side of the right compartment is covered as
in diagram below.

shown

Diagram:

Figure 10. Loose Fill Insulation

The above figure shows one of the wooden boxes that contained the
loose-fill insulation after it was installed.
Appendix B: LabQuest Setup
Procedure:

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Evert-Giffin
1. Plug LabQuest into a wall outlet and turn on its power.
2. On the far left tab, tap where it says rate.
3. At the top of the screen, change data type to time based and change the
collection rate to 2 samples per second.
4. Set length of trial to 180 seconds.
5. Tap okay.

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Appendix C: Sample Calculations
An ANOVA, or analysis of variance, statistical test that is used to analyze the
differences between group means and their associated procedures. Below are
sample calculations needed to complete the test:

F=

MSG
MSE

Figure 11. F-Statistic Equation

In this equation F represents the ANOVA coefficient, MSG represents the
mean sum of squares due to treatment, and MSE represents the mean sum of
squares due to error.

t=

x1 x2

s 21 s 22
+
n1 n2

Figure 12. T-test equation

The x-bars represent the sample means of each population; the s
variables represent the sample standard deviations; the n variables represent
the two sample sizes.

t=

7.68334.0367

2.4977 1.3137
+
30
30

t=10.2307
Figure 13. Sample T-test Calculations

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Figure 13 shows a sample t-test calculation comparing the means of wood
and spray foam. This also yielded a p-value of 4.3748x10 -9.
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