When fall rolls around, it is time to begin thinking about cool nights and more temperate days. And as temperatures drop, you may want to consider how prepared your home is for the winter months.
Making sure your heating system is working properly is an obvious way to prepare. But have you ever considered the quality of your insulation? Even if your heater is extremely energy-efficient, if you are living in a home with old insulation, you may not be realizing the full benefits of your heating system. Poor quality or old insulation can allow heat to escape from your home. Old insulation can lead to a drafty home, too.
So, if you are ready for an insulation replacement – whether it is an attic insulation replacement – or insulation replacement in other areas of your home (like the garage), consider the following:
Hallmarks of Quality Insulation
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Choose the correct R-Value, based on your location
Depending upon where you live will determine the best R-values for your insulation replacement. According to Home Depot, “R-value measures how resistant types of insulation are to heat flow. R-values vary based on the type, thickness and density of the insulation material. Typically, a higher R-value means better climate control and better energy efficiency for your home. However, your home may not need insulation with the highest R-value. The Department of Energy recommends different insulation levels based on your region to increase energy efficiency.”
Not sure what type of insulation is best for you, based on your geographic location? Check out the United States Department of Energy’s map at https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/weatherize/insulation to identify the recommended R-value of insulation that you will need for your home.
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Choose cellulose or loose fill fiberglass insulation over batts
If you live in a location that experiences extremely cold temperatures, you may want to opt for cellulose (recycled, ground paper with boric acid added to it), as it offers an R-value of 3.5 per inch of insulation. Coming in a close second is loose fill fiberglass insulation, which clocks in with an R-value of 2.5 per inch of insulation (thisoldhouse.com). Both can be blown into the spaces in need of insulation – such as an attic or garage – and they both offer better insulating properties than the traditional batts of insulation that DIY’ers roll out in their homes.
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If your HVAC is in the attic, consider spray foam over cellulose or loose fill fiberglass
Another option for quality insulation replacement is spray foam. It can cost 3-4 times more than other types of insulation. But you may want to consider spray foam if your HVAC is located in the attic. That’s because using spray foam allows you to “move the building envelope (the boundary between conditioned and unconditioned space) from the attic floor to the roofline. [This is advantageous because spray foam insulation can] bring the ducts inside the envelope without having to redesign the system and house” (energyvanguard.com).
There are two main types of spray foam: open and closed cell varieties. Where open cell spray foam’s R-value averages about 3.6 per square inch. Closed cell spray foam boasts a whopping R-value of 6.5 per square inch. Depending on how cold the climate is in which you live may determine which one of the two types you will need.
Insulation replacement cost
While insulation replacement costs will vary, there are some general ranges, depending on the type of insulation you select. Note: averages listed are according to Homeadvisor.com.
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Fiberglass batt installation costs
While this is not the most effective insulation type on the market, it is one of the most economical for installation. Fiberglass batt insulation installation will run approximately $300-$500 (for a 6-hour job). Although it will improve energy efficiency in your home when you compare it with no insulation. The next two types of insulation replacements will certainly save you even more money (in energy bills) over time.
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Blown insulation installation costs
Blowing insulation like cellulose into your home’s attic or other space will run approximately $1,500 – $2,000 (for an average-sized 1,500 square foot home) if you have this job done professionally. However, if you take this job on yourself, it may only cost you $500 for materials. Either way, if the job is done correctly it can make your home more energy-efficient than a home with fiberglass batt insulation replacement.
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Spray foam insulation installation costs
There are two main types of spray foam insulation – open and closed cell spray foam – and costs vary by type. The pricing is also calculated by board feet (multiply the insulation’s area in square feet by the depth of that area in inches). Open-cell spray foam costs $0.35 – $0.55 per board foot, and closed-cell foam is $1.00 – $2.00 per board foot. Most likely, this will be the most expensive type of insulation, but if you are looking for one of the highest R-values on the market, you may want to make the investment.
Insulation Companies in Maryland
Replacing old insulation in your home is an investment. So be sure that you’re dealing with qualified professionals who will provide high-quality installation at a reasonable price.
If you live in the Baltimore, Maryland area, look no further than Mid-Atlantic Remodeling Company. Mid-Atlantic has been serving Maryland for years, offering high-quality contractors, products, and services to homeowners. Not only does Mid-Atlantic put the customer first throughout all phases of the project. But our experienced staff will complete your insulation replacement on time and on budget.
Contact us today at (410) 918 – 0563 or visit us online at https://midatlanticremodelingco.com/.
