Heating a home isn’t cheap. But it’s even more expensive when you let that resource wastefully pump right out into the great outdoors—which is precisely what you’re doing if your attic isn’t properly insulated. This means you have to heat more and spend more to stay warm. Fortunately, insulating your attic isn’t very hard to do. Whether you decide to tackle the project yourself or feel more comfortable hiring a professional, you’ll be cutting down your energy bill substantially—not to mention enjoying a much cosier winter season.
Deciding on the Insulation
Before you run out to the nearest home improvement store and pick up a truckload of insulation, it’s important to consider your options. Certain types of insulation are much more efficient than others. Some are more affordable, and others are just easier to install. While debating your options, you’ll probably want to consider blanket insulation and blown-in insulation. These are the two most common insulation types, and they both provide dependable value for their cost.
Insulation Batts
Insulation batts is more efficient than blown-in insulation, but it’s also more time-intensive and difficult to install. When done properly you’ll save more money with this type of insulation, but you should expect the process to take quite a bit longer.
Loose Insulation
Loose insulation—also known as blown-in insulation—is easier to install, but it offers lower insulation levels. This means that you need more of it or another type of insulation, such as rigid board
insulation, layered over top to complete the job. It’s simple to lay down, and it can be completed by an expert or a homeowner with the proper equipment. Both insulation types are comparable in price, so it’s really up to personal preference which type you choose.
How Much Attic Insulation Do You Need?
When you’re insulating your home you should choose anywhere between R4.0 up to R6.0. It’s recommended that you hit at least R3.5 to cut down on heat loss and improve the energy efficiency of your home, but going above and beyond that figure will bring your further benefits to an extent. Decide on your desired value, and then figure out how many layers, or how much of the material you will have to use to reach that level during the installation.
