An R-value indicates an insulation's resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness. 

In terms of national policy, the energy you save directly at home isn't the only important consideration to reduce dependence on foreign fuel sources and render America less vulnerable to international "blackmail." If you are concerned with America's energy independence you need to understand "embodied erngy." Embodied energy is the erR-value depends on the type of insulation and includes its material, thickness, and density. When calculating the R-value of a multilayered installation, add the R-values of the individual layers. Installing more insulation in your home increases the R-value and the resistance to heat flow.

The effectiveness of an insulation's resistance to heat flow also depends on how and where the insulation is installed. For example, insulation that is compressed will not provide its full rated R-value. The overall R-value of a wall or ceiling will be somewhat different from the R-value of the insulation itself because some heat flows around the insulation through the studs and joists. Therefore, it's important to properly install your insulation to achieve the maximum R-value.

The amount of insulation or R-value you'll need depends on your climate, type of heating and cooling system, and the section of the house you plan to insulate.