Most Energy Efficient Attic Insulation

The efficient attic solution.

Most energy efficient attic insulation.

Energy efficient insulation while an important consideration is actually only one solution to attic heating and cooling issues. Loose fill cellulose or fiberglass can also be sprayed into existing structures. See a state by state directory of such programs here. Loose fill or batt insulation is typically installed in an attic.

The four step approach outlined below considers the whole attic as a system. Before you ever get insulation anywhere near the attic though make sure that you get the air leakage sites sealed up. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. See more on different types of insulation.

But your state s energy office or local utility may offer product rebates discounts or other financial incentives for insulating. Sometimes however insulation isn t enough. The attic is the easiest place to add insulation to improve your comfort and the energy efficiency of your home. Installing high r value insulation in your attic will create a barrier to prevent the heat or cold from escaping thus making your home more energy efficient.

R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. Insulation level are specified by r value. Measure your attic s square footage. However if you re remodeling an existing home spray foam is probably the best option for maximum energy efficiency.

If you put an air permeable insulation material over a hole in your ceiling you may have comfort indoor air quality durability and efficiency problems. Most federal tax credits for weatherizing your house and boosting its energy efficiency expired in 2011. Now that you ve air sealed your attic and basement check your attic insulation levels and add more if necessary. Rigid foam boards trap air or another gas to resist conductive heat flow.

Insulation materials run the gamut from bulky fiber materials such as fiberglass rock and slag wool cellulose and natural fibers to rigid foam boards to sleek foils. How much to buy. On average roll insulation costs less than other types of insulation source. The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home.

Loose fill insulation is usually less expensive to install than batt insulation and provides better coverage when installed properly. Addressing all forms of heat gain loss and moisture related concerns is essential to creating an efficient healthy cost effective and sustainable efficient attic system. The way your attic retains or releases heat can affect your entire house and implementing a simple set of solutions can make your attic more energy efficient. To find out if you have enough attic insulation measure the thickness of the insulation.