The Home Insulation Resource Page
The most cost-effective way of saving money when heating and cooling a home is having adequate insulation. A well insulated home not only makes it more comfortable for the people inside, it reduces annual heating and cooling costs by as much as 20%. Reducing energy consumption also saves on limited energy resources.
Should I Insulate My Home?
Most homes were built with some installation installed. However, many do not have adequate insulation, which causes excessive energy consumption. Older homes may have little or no insulation. Homeowners should assess current levels of insulation and add more if necessary.
Where Should I Insulate?
The attic is the most important area to insulate. To determine if more insulation is needed, a visual test may be performed. If the floor joists are visible, more insulation should be installed. An adequately insulated attic will cover the floor joists. The insulation should form an even blanket, with no low spots. If adding insulation is necessary, a different type may be used over the existing insulation. Walls, floors, and basements or crawlspaces are other areas that may need additional insulation.
What Materials Are Needed?
First determine how much and which type of insulation is needed. Insulation should meet the recommended R-value, or heat-resistance capacity, for the area. Loose-filled insulation requires a special machine to blow the insulation in to the space. Batt or rolled type insulation is like a blanket and usually made of fiberglass. Aside from the insulation itself, do-it-yourselfers will need a utility knife, safety glasses, long-sleeved clothing or coveralls, gloves and a mask.
Can I Do it Myself?
The batt or rolled type of installation may be installed by do-it-yourselfers. The roll must be cut around electrical outlets, windows, doors, pipes or wiring. A professional usually installs loose-filled insulation, however, some home improvement stores offer blower machine rentals. Installation instructions should be fully read and understood before attempting installation.
What is Weatherization?
Weatherization is a process that not only involves installing insulation where needed, but includes sealing air leaks around the home with caulking and weather stripping, installing energy-efficient windows, and making the overall structure more energy efficient.
How Does Air Escape?
Air escapes through openings in the home, such as doors, windows, cracks, electrical outlets, fireplaces, and ducts as well as floors and ceilings. Finding and fixing air leaks along with the proper insulation will keep energy bills down.
Weatherizing by adding insulation to a home, sealing air leaks and purchasing energy-efficient windows and doors, when needed, will make a home more comfortable, reduce the amount of energy used, and lower home heating and cooling bills.
Additional Resources
Air Seal and Insulate: Recommended methods of insulating a home along with descriptions of the different types of insulation.
Why Insulate Your House?: Explains benefits of adequately insulating a home and methods.
Insulation: How to determine whether a home needs additional insulation and how to find air leaks.
Types of Insulation: Different types of insulation and installation methods.
Home Weatherization Guide: Tips on insulating, finding and repairing air leaks in the home and other ways to weatherize.
R-Value: The definition of insulation R-value.
Home Insulation Basics: What to look for when purchasing insulation.
R-Value Guidelines: Recommended R-values depending on location.
Winter Energy Saving Tips: Tips for saving energy throughout the home during the winter.
Energy Saving Tips: Ways to cut down on energy consumption.
Insulation Guide: Where to install insulation, what type to purchase, recommended R-values and installation instructions.
Installing Wall Insulation: Guide to purchasing and installing wall insulation.
Do It Yourself Insulation: Guide to determining whether to or not to hire a professional. Tips on installation.
Climate Zone Map: Map of the United States along with recommended R-values.
Energy Tips: Home insulation overview.
What About Insulation?: Questions and answers about insulation.
Insulation Fact Sheet: Purchasing and installing insulation along with illustrations.