About half of the energy used in Midwest home is used to keep the home warm or cool. Properly insulating the attic might be one of the best ways to reduce your energy bills. The good news is that the attic is often one of the easiest places in the home to insulate. And, purchasing adequate insulation is not that expensive.
If you live in a recently built or remodeled home, you likely have adequate insulation. However, if your home is over 8 years of age, the time might be right to determine if additional insulation is needed. Over time, insulation tends to settle and thereby, a loss in R-value. The US Department of Energy recommends an R-value (the thermal resistance of the insulation material) of 60 to maximize the benefit of attic insulation. Any amount higher brings little additional benefits. Most home codes recommend a range of R-45 to R-60.
Determining the R-value of the insulation you currently have is the first step. The best way to find out if you have enough insulation is to measure the depth or thickness of insulation in your attic in several locations. Using the chart from the Iowa Energy Center, identify the kind of insulation you have and its R-value. Add your depth or thickness measurements and multiply by the (estimated) R-value shown in the right column.
The next step is to visit with an insulation specialist to determine the kind and amount of insulation that will be needed to bring your attic space up to the desired R-value. You may choose to do it yourself or hire a contractor. Blown-in, loose fill insulation is one of the easiest forms to add to an existing home. If you are doing it yourself, check to see if your retailer provides a blower for you to borrow to do the job and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and the elements in the attic. You will need protective clothing, goggles, and a dust respirator. Be careful not to block air flow vents in the soffits and eaves and insulate over light fixtures particularly if they are not rated IC (insulated ceiling) or are LED.
Check with your local energy company to see if you are eligible for an Energy Wise program to help offset costs.
For more information on insulation or ideas on how you can make your home more energy efficient, check out Home Tightening, Insulation, and Ventilation from the Iowa Energy Center Home Series. Sometimes it takes more than insulation in the attic to make a home energy efficient.
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