Can insulation really make a difference in my heating bills?
Yes! As much as 15 percent of the energy you pay for escapes from your home through cracks and gaps in the walls and attic. Upgrading your attic insulation to 12 inches can reduce your heating costs by 30 percent.
What does R-value mean?
R-value is a measure of thermal resistance – how well a material holds back heat. Insulation products are measured in R-value – the higher, the better.
For example, a bare concrete foundation has an R-value of 1, while a fully-insulated attic has an R-value of 44.
How much insulation should we have in our attic?
The general rule for homes in the upper Midwest is 12-15 inches of batt, blanket or loose-fill insulation. The exact answer depends on the size and age of your home, and what kind of insulation you’ll be using.
You can determine how much insulation your home needs by using the U.S. Department of Energy’s ZIP-Code Insulation Calculator. |
