Different regions require different insulation and different parts of your home require different R-values. Take a look at the chart below to see what is the ideal R-value for your home.
I created this guide as a way to help you insulate your home more optimally. Like you, I experienced exceptionally high heating and cooling bills. I could never figure out what the problem was, either. It wasn’t until I had a home inspection done that I found out how poorly insulated my home was at the time.
Without the right amount of insulation, you’re literally letting money blow out your windows and doors. The price you pay to heat and cool your home dramatically increases when things are drafty indoors. Good insulation protects your home from excess moisture, too, which occurs when it’s extremely humid inside your residence.
What are Attic Insulation Types?
There are many types of attic insulation for you to consider. Each has its benefits and level of energy efficiency. To help you understand if they meet the recommended attic insulation R-value, I’ve listed a short description of them below.
You can be the judge if they’re worth buying and having installed in your home. Rated by R-value from lowest to highest, you’ll find information about Blow In Attic Insulation, Insulation Blankets, Spray Foam Insulation, and Foam Board Insulation. Each has its own list of advantages, as you can imagine.
Blown In Attic Insulation
It has the lowest R-value and may not be the best option for you if you’re looking for a solution with longevity. Other choices can be more beneficial for you, in my opinion. I would strongly suggest choosing another option if you can afford it because you’ll notice a dramatic difference in how your home stays cool or warm when you turn on the air conditioner or heater.
Insulation Blankets
Available in batts and rolls, blankets have a higher R-value than blown in attic insulation but not as high as spray foam insulation or foam board insulation. The plus to this type of insulation is that it’s easy to put in place. The company you hire to install it will be able to do so fairly effortlessly because it rolls out in long pieces, which are placed in areas to create an insulating layer of protection.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam is more effective with a much higher R-value than blown in insulation and insulation blankets. It can be put into the tightest corners of a home, making it draft-proof. You’ll have less of a chance of the cooled and heated air that you’re trying to keep inside the house in place. You won’t lose energy or money by investing in this form of insulation.
Foam Board Insulation
This form of insulation is by far the most effective. It has the highest R-value. I personally prefer it. Even though it does cost a significant amount more to purchase, it’s well worth every penny spent on it to know that I will continue to save year after year. It’s like putting money in the bank each month because my home is far more energy efficient than it was before.
Now that you understand the different types of insulation available for attics, you can find out their R-value and decide which offers you the greatest return on your investment. You may find that it’s far easier to purchase insulation once you’ve read a description of how it’s installed in your home.
You’ll know what you’re paying for and why it’s important to know its R-value. I’ll be the first to admit that I knew nothing about it and couldn’t figure out why I needed to read up on the subject. When I learned how cost-effective it was to do so, it was a no-brainer. I was all in.
I’m hoping that what I’ve learned will help you make your own decisions. You’ll have a much more comfortable home to spend time in long-term with this knowledge. If your goal is to achieve zero energy in your home, you’ll find the better the insulation you buy, the closer you’ll get to achieving it.
How Much Does Attic Insulation Cost?
The different attic insulation types vary in cost. You want to buy the best offered in your price range. An attic insulation cost estimate from a company is the surest way of knowing what it will charge you to do the job. You can then determine if it’s the right choice for you based on the budget you have in place for yourself.
I’ve found that attic insulation is an investment. Although I’m paying upfront for my home to be insulated, I’ll soon see the benefits of doing so through repeat savings on my home energy bills. A service such as blow in attic insulation may not seem reasonable when looking at a company’s price quote. When you consider how much savings you’ll receive throughout your lifetime in the home from having the service done, you’ll be in great shape.
Count on paying anywhere from $1 to $7 per square foot to have the attic insulated. The materials that you choose will dictate the dollar amount. Some forms of insulation are far more effective at keeping the home protected. I feel like it’s money well spent because it keeps the drafts out and the humidity from doing a number to the walls. Black mold isn’t something I want to deal with anytime soon, so I feel like I can easily put more money into purchasing insulation because of the return on investment it delivers to me.
Investing in the Right Company’s Services
Preparing your Texas home to increase its energy efficiency is something I cannot emphasize enough. You can keep your home cooled to a desirable temperature despite the unbearable heat outdoors with the right insulation. Learning about the recommended attic insulation R-value changed my life. It made me more aware of the importance of good insulation when comparing the different types available.
I now see the value of hiring the best company that I can for the job. Without the installer, I wouldn’t be able to enjoy my fully insulated home. Now, I don’t need to worry about it because I sit back, relax, and watch the savings roll in because of my decision to invest in better insulation. The R-value of it proved to be a big help when deciding which type of insulation to invest in.
Consider how much they know about R-values and insulation when searching for companies to give your business to. The more informed they are about the subject, the better off you’ll be. They can help you understand the process that takes place when the company installs the insulation. You’ll benefit the way I did by being a more informed homeowner.