As energy costs continue to increase, more and more homeowners are looking for ways to reduce costs without compromising the comfort that comes from a properly heated or cooled home. Regardless of where you live, attic insulation can help you save on energy bills by reducing the amount of electricity you use to heat or cool your home. Attics are often one of the easiest places in your home to insulate, as they only require a few tools to get the job done.
There are two main types of attic insulation, batt insulation and blown insulation. Batt insulation is usually available at home improvement stores and lumberyards, whereas blown insulation requires a professional for installation. Both types of attic insulation accomplish the ultimate goal of helping you trim costs on energy bills.
Whether to Add Attic Insulation
Before adding more insulation to your attic, always check to make sure your attic is not already properly insulated. The best way to determine this is to look across the floor of your attic. If the current attic insulation is level with or below the floor joists, you will benefit from adding more insulation. It is also important that the attic insulation is evenly distributed throughout the floor with no low spots.
How Much Insulation to Add
When determining how much attic insulation to add to your attic floor, it is a good idea to look for several things. The R value of insulation measures the insulation’s ability to resist heat flow. The higher this value, the more protection the insulation will provide against heat and cold air. Most professionals recommend an insulation level of R-38, which equals about 10-14 inches of insulation.
What Kind of Attic Insulation to Add
When adding insulation to your attic, it is not necessary to use the same type of insulation that is currently in the attic. It is possible to add blown insulation on top of batt insulation or vice versa. If you decide to add blown insulation, it is best to contact a professional, as this type of attic insulation requires professional installation and equipment.
Whether you live in an extremely warm or cool climate, attic insulation is an excellent way to save money on energy bills. Attic insulation keeps warm or cool air in your attic so it does not escape through the roof, which means your heating and air conditioning system does not need to run constantly to keep the attic air at room temperature. Regardless of the type of attic insulation you decide to install, it is often best to consult with a professional to determine the best type of attic insulation for your home.