When you insulate your attic, you will have that extra space that your HVAC system will have to heat or cool. However, insulating your ceiling means you'll only be treating the air in the living spaces you actually use. This can lower your energy usage by up to 40%, depending on the size of your home.
Ceiling insulation usually refers to insulation that is installed between the ceiling rafters. Roof insulation means insulation that is installed under the roof materials.
This rule means, at least half of your attic space must be 7 feet high by 7 feet wide, with a total of 70 square feet. Keep in mind, codes vary from place to place, but for using the attic as an actual room, this rule typically applies.
Also, when laying down additional insulation, work from the perimeter toward the attic opening. Never lay insulation over recessed light fixtures or soffit vents. Keep all insulation at least 3 inches away from recessed "can" lights, unless they are rated IC (Insulated Ceiling).
While it may seem like the more insulation you have, the more energy-efficient your home will be, you do not want to insulate both the attic floor and ceiling. Insulating the floor and the ceiling would create a separate and conditioned environment, especially if you air-sealed your attic.
Do I Have To Remove Old Insulation? Unless your insulation is wet, moldy or infested with pests, you don't need to remove it before adding insulation on top of it. ENERGY STAR® recommends that you inspect your insulation for signs of mold, mildew, moisture and pest infiltration before making this determination.
The higher the R-Value, the better the thermal performance of the insulation. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to R-38 or about 10 to 14 inches, depending on insulation type.
For most wiring, this is possible but may not always be possible as there will inevitably be light fixtures that are installed throughout the ceilings below. Electrical wiring should be installed to minimize the likelihood of damage, impact, or water ingress.
Fiberglass batt is considered to be the best insulation for attics. Compared to other insulation materials, it is the cheapest and easiest to install.
When you insulate your attic, you will have that extra space that your HVAC system will have to heat or cool. However, insulating your ceiling means you'll only be treating the air in the living spaces you actually use. This can lower your energy usage by up to 40%, depending on the size of your home.
Best Time of Year to Buy Insulation
In this case, the spring is the best time, because you will also start to see savings in the summer months. The same is true for warmer climates, just different times of year because you'll want the job finished before the heat sets in.
It is possible to over-insulate your house so much that it can't breathe. The whole point of home insulation is to tightly seal your home's interior. But if it becomes too tightly sealed with too many layers of insulation, moisture can get trapped inside those layers.
Attic insulation costs anywhere from $1,680 to $3,125, depending on the size of your attic and the material used. On average, most homeowners shell out around $2,380. These costs include the insulation materials and installation by a professional.
Is It Ok To Have A Junction Box In The Attic? Codes require that boxes in attics be permanently accessible. While building codes usually allow junction boxes in attic, the codes impose installation standards to prevent electrical fires and accidental shock.
Below are some additional considerations for insulating around a few common objects in the home. Wiring – When wiring exists in the cavities that are being insulated, simply split the insulation so that it is placed around the wire on both sides, allowing the wire to be comfortably nested inside the insulation.
210.70(C) All Occupancies. For attics and underfloor spaces, utility rooms, and basements, at least one lighting outlet containing a switch or controlled by a wall switch shall be installed where these spaces are used for storage or contain equipment requiring servicing.
With certain types of insulation materials, installing your own insulation is definitely doable—and you can save money not hiring a professional. Installing fiberglass or mineral wool insulation are simple DIY projects. Other insulation types, such as spray foam insulation, require the use of a professional.
However, the DOE recommends that attics in Southern homes be insulated with 13 to 14 inches, or R-38, of insulation at minimum. Northern homes should have attics with 16 to 18 inches of insulation or R-49. If your home isn't insulated to the recommended thickness, you likely want to consider adding more insulation.
The recommended R-value for attic insulation can vary depending on the climate zone in which you live. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends attic insulation levels of R-49 to R-60 for most homes in colder climates, and R-30 to R-49 for homes in warmer climates.
SAVINGS AND COMFORT
EPA estimates that homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs (or an average of 11% on total energy costs) by air sealing their homes and adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces and basements.
At first it may seem odd to add insulation for warmth and then purposely allow cold air to enter the attic through vents, but this combination is the key to a durable and energy-efficient home.