Blown-in attic insulation is one of the most effective ways to reduce energy costs and improve home comfort. Installing blown-in insulation in your attic can significantly cut heating and cooling bills while also minimizing temperature fluctuations inside the home. This type of insulation is known for its ability to fill gaps and seal air leaks, creating a uniform insulation barrier that blocks heat transfer.
If you’re looking for ways to make your home more energy-efficient and reduce monthly utility expenses, blown-in attic insulation should be at the top of your list. Keep reading to learn all about the benefits of blown-in insulation and how proper installation can help cut energy bills.
How Does Blown-in Attic Insulation Reduce Energy Bills?
Blown-in insulation works by trapping air in tiny pockets, creating a thick layer of insulation that resists conductive and convective heat flow. The thousands of air pockets prevent heat from escaping in winter and block heat gain in summer. This helps maintain comfortable temperatures while reducing the burden on your HVAC system.
The loose-fill nature of blown-in insulation allows it to fill irregularly-shaped areas and small gaps around attic framing, wires, and vents. This seals air leaks that allow conditioned air to escape, further improving energy efficiency. Stopping air infiltration can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 30%, providing major energy savings.
Properly installed blown-in insulation creates a consistent density and depth across your entire attic space. This eliminates thin spots or gaps in coverage that can reduce insulating effectiveness. Maintaining proper insulation depth and density is key for optimum energy savings.
How Much Can Blown-in Insulation Reduce Energy Bills?
The energy and cost savings from blown-in attic insulation depend on several factors:
- Your climate – Homes in extreme climates see greater savings from increased attic insulation. Blown-in insulation has an even bigger impact in places with cold, harsh winters or hot summers.
- Existing insulation levels – Homes with little or no pre-existing attic insulation can reduce energy bills by 25-50% after blown-in installation. Well-insulated attics see smaller but still significant savings from air sealing and topped-off insulation.
- House size – Larger homes with greater attic square footage require more energy for heating and cooling. Maximizing attic insulation has a bigger dollar impact on energy bills in larger homes.
- Efficiency of HVAC system – Upgrading insulation should be paired with heating/cooling equipment maintenance and upgrades for optimal savings. Newer, high-efficiency HVAC systems maximize energy savings from better insulation.
Under the right conditions, homeowners can save hundreds of dollars per year through upgraded attic insulation. Blown-in insulation outperforms older batt insulation. Even attics with pre-existing blown-in can benefit from having insulation levels topped off.
Benefits of Blown-in Attic Insulation
Here are some of the top benefits that make blown-in one of the best insulation choices for attics:
Excellent Thermal Performance
Blown-in attic insulation provides outstanding thermal resistance compared to other insulation types. Cellulose and fiberglass blown-in can both achieve an insulation value of R-30 or greater when installed at ideal densities and depths.
The loose fill form evenly coats surfaces while filling gaps, creating a consistent thermal barrier. This makes blown-in better at limiting heat transfer than batts, which can compress and create gaps over time.
Air Sealing Properties
In addition to its great insulating properties, blown-in insulation also excels at controlling air leakage. The dense packing of loose fill insulation seals gaps and holes that allow conditioned indoor air to escape to the attic.
Controlling air infiltration with proper insulation and sealing can reduce home energy costs by up to 30% per year. Stopping air leakage is just as important as insulation for energy efficiency.
Ability to Work Around Obstructions
One of the biggest advantages of loose fill insulation is its ability to flow and conform around objects. Blown-in insulation easily fills around wiring, vents, chimneys, and other obstructions that would be difficult or impossible to insulate with batts.
This allows for a seamless layer of insulation without thin spots or gaps that reduce thermal effectiveness. The ability to fully insulate challenging attic spaces makes blown-in an extremely versatile option.
Less Settling and Compression
Blown-in attic insulation is famous for its ability to “fluff back up” over time. The loose fill recovers after being stepped on or compressed during installation.
This resistance to settling allows it to maintain consistent thermal and air-sealing properties over years of use without needing replacement. Less settling makes blown-in a long-lasting insulation solution.
Quick, Low-Mess Installation
Installing blown-in insulation with professional equipment is a fast, easy process requiring minimal cleanup afterward. Loose fill insulation is also lightweight and easier to handle than bulky batts.
Blown-in insulation won’t cause itching and skin irritation during or after installation. The streamlined installation is a major perk for homeowners.
How to Determine If You Need More Attic Insulation
Not sure if your attic insulation is sufficient? Here are some signs it may be time to add more blown-in insulation:
- Uncomfortable temperature fluctuations during hot or cold weather
- High cooling and heating bills for your home’s size
- Visible gaps between insulation batts or thin, low-density insulation
- Older batt insulation that is yellowed or deteriorated
- Lack of a consistent insulation depth of at least R-30 throughout the attic
- Feeling air drafts from the attic or hearing noise transfer between floors
- Condensation or frost buildup on roof deck and attic framing
- Dark attic surfaces visible through vents or cracks (indicates little insulation)
Addressing any of these issues with additional blown-in insulation can yield savings on energy costs. An insulation contractor can check your insulation depth and density to advise if added insulation is recommended.
How Much Attic Insulation Do You Need?
The amount of attic insulation needed depends on:
- Your climate and heating/cooling degree days – Colder and hotter climates need thicker insulation than moderate ones. Local energy codes provide climate-specific minimums.
- Goal insulation value – Most experts recommend at least R-30, though R-38 or more provides greater efficiency in extreme climates. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.
- Attic size – Total attic square footage determines how much insulation material is required to achieve the desired depth. Larger attics need more insulation.
- Existing insulation levels – Homes with uninsulated attics require more blown-in than those with some existing insulation. Adding insulation may only require topping off existing materials.
- Air sealing needs – Gap filling and air sealing requires greater density and depth.
An insulation contractor can calculate exactly how much insulation you need after evaluating your attic and factors unique to your home. Costs will depend on square footage to insulate and thickness required.
How Much Does Blown-in Attic Insulation Cost?
Typical professional installation costs for blown-in attic insulation range from $1.00 to $3.00 per square foot. Homeowner DIY installed insulation averages $0.75-$1.50 per square foot. Total costs depend on:
- Insulation materials: Fiberglass is cheaper than cellulose by $0.25 to $0.50 per square foot on average.
-** Added insulation depth:** Adding R-13 insulation costs less than adding R-30. Deeper insulation requires more material.
- Installation method: Professional installation costs more but yields optimal results. DIY is cheaper but riskier.
- Accessibility: Attics with easy access through large hatches or doors cost less than cramped attics requiring shifts in installation equipment.
- Additional repairs: Fixing leaks, adding ventilation, or moving wires can add costs if needed before insulation.
Overall, installed costs for blown-in attic insulation run $1,200 to $3,500 or more for a typical single-family 2,000 square foot attic. Get multiple estimates before choosing an insulation company.
DIY vs Professional Blown-in Insulation
Is it better to have blown-in attic insulation professionally installed or to do it as a DIY homeowner project? Here are the pros and cons of each method:
Professional Installation
Pros
- Achieves proper insulation density and correct depth for maximum energy savings
- Seals air leaks for improved efficiency
- Insulation evenly distributed using specialized blowing equipment
- Professional training to determine ideal insulation needs
- May qualify for utility energy rebates
Cons
- More expensive than homeowner DIY
- Need to schedule work in advance
DIY Installation
Pros
- Much cheaper than hiring a professional
- Can be done on your own schedule
- Good option for small insulation jobs
Cons
- Labor-intensive process without pro equipment
- Risk of low density and uneven insulation depth
- Difficulty reaching ideal R-values and air sealing effectiveness
- May not qualify for rebates and incentives
For most homes, professional installation ensures proper blown-in attic insulation application for maximum energy savings. This is highly recommended unless on a tight budget. Carefully weigh the pros and cons before deciding between DIY or pro installation.
Finding the Best Blown-in Insulation Contractor
Choosing the right professional insulation installer is critical to get the results you want from blown-in attic insulation. Here are tips for picking the best contractor:
- Check certifications – Choose an installer certified by the insulation manufacturer to ensure proper techniques.
- Ask for references – An established contractor should be able to provide local customer references. Follow up with them.
- Compare multiple bids – Get quotes from 3-4 installers to find the best deal for your project.
- Look for experience – Pick an insulation company with ample experience installing blown-in insulation in local homes similar to yours.
- Verify insurance – Make sure the company carries both liability and workers compensation insurance.
- Check credentials – Legitimate contractors should provide license number and business ID.
- Consider other services – Some installers also handle repairs, air sealing, and ventilation improvements if needed.
Investing time to carefully select your insulation contractor helps ensure a hassle-free installation and long-lasting thermal benefits from your blown-in attic insulation.
DIY Blown-in Attic Insulation Tips
While professional installation is best, adding blown-in insulation yourself can be a cost-effective option if you have DIY skills. Follow these tips for a successful DIY blown-in attic insulation project:
- Rent or buy appropriate blowing insulation machine. Gas-powered is better than electric.
- Calculate needed bags of insulation based on attic square feet and R-value goals.
- Have a partner to help load insulation into the machine and provide support.
- Wear protective equipment – mask, goggles, gloves, and clothing that covers skin.
- Temporarily cover any vents, fans, and open areas leading from the attic.
- Plan starting location and systematic coverage paths to evenly coat attic floor.
- Maintain recommended 3-4 inches between insulation and any heat sources.
- Periodically check depth using a ruler as you go. Target depth will vary based on insulation type and R-value goal.
- Focus on covering the attic floor evenly before piling more in each area.
- Make multiple passes back and forth to build depth. Let layers settle between passes.
- After reaching target depth, visually inspect for any thin spots and correct them.
- Replace attic access insulation after completing the project.
DIY attic insulation is very labor-intensive but can be rewarding if done properly. Take all necessary safety precautions.
Top Materials for Blown-in Attic Insulation
The two most common types of loose fill insulation used for blown-in attic applications are cellulose and fiberglass. Here is an overview of each:
Cellulose Insulation
- Made from recycled paper products
- Very dense – recommended for air sealing
- R-value per inch: 3.7
- Can achieve R-30+ at around 10 inches depth
- Fire-resistant but not fireproof
- Contains borates as fire retardant and pest deterrent
- Higher cost than fiberglass – $1.00-$1.50 per square foot installed
Benefits
- Excellent thermal insulator
- Great for drafty old homes needing air sealing
- Environmentally friendly recycled content
- Can use for walls and ceilings also
- Less dusty than fiberglass during installation
Fiberglass Insulation
- Made from melted sand and recycled glass
- Fluffy with low density
- R-value per inch: 2.8-3.5 depending on density
- Must be 12+ inches deep to reach R-30
- Non-combustible
- Contains formaldehyde binder
- Lowest cost – $0.75-$1.25 per square foot installed
Benefits
- Good balance of affordability and performance
- Fireproof and won’t fuel flames
- Won’t absorb moisture or promote mold growth
- Slightly better sound insulation than cellulose
- Common and widely available
Both fiberglass and cellulose work well as blown-in attic insulation. Compare costs and benefits when choosing the right material for your home and climate. Cellulose offers maximum energy savings but costs more.
Improving Attic Access Along With Insulation
When installing blown-in insulation, it’s also a great time to upgrade your attic access and insulation around it:
- Replace small hatches – Hatches smaller than 22″ x 30″ impede installing and maintaining attic insulation. Consider replacing with a larger, properly framed hatch.
- Weatherstrip access doors – Add weatherstripping around all 4 sides of hatches to stop air leakage. Compression-style rubber seals work best.
- Insulate doors – Strap rigid foam board insulation to the back of the attic access then reattach. This adds an extra R-5+ of insulation.
- Add batt insulation – Cut fiberglass batts to fit over the hatch and tape them in place all around the frame before blowing the main attic area.
- Seal pull-down ladders – Use tape and caulk to seal attic ladder joints. Cover the back with rigid insulation and seal it.
- Insulate ladder opening – Build a basic box around the ladder opening using rigid insulation sheets. Attach it snugly around the opening.
Note: Never permanently seal off attic access. Maintain ability to enter the attic if needed for repairs and maintenance.
By improving your attic access hatch or ladder, you can eliminate this common leakage area. Preventing conditioned air loss through attic access points will boost energy savings from your new insulation.
Blown-in Attic Insulation: An Eco-Friendly Insulation Solution
Blown-in attic insulation is one of the most environmentally-friendly insulation options. Features that make it a green choice include:
- Cellulose made from recycled materials – Cellulose insulation contains 75-85% recycled paper fiber. This gives new life to waste paper that may otherwise end up in landfills.
- Fiberglass made from recycled glass – Up to 30% of fiberglass insulation is made from recycled glass bottles and waste fiberglass. This reduces landfill contributions.
- Low-impact installation – Blown-in insulation can be added without damaging existing walls, drywall, or other building materials. No demolition is required.
- No chemical off-gassing – Unlike spray foam insulations, blown-in fiberglass and cellulose don’t use chemical components that can off-gas VOCs into your home.
- Extends building lifespan – Proper insulation preserves building materials and structure. Less temperature stress and moisture = longer lasting home.
- Qualifies for green tax credits – Energy-saving insulation may be eligible for tax credits and rebates related to going green.
- Reduces carbon footprint – Better insulation lowers home energy use, indirectly reducing greenhouse gas emissions from power generation.
Maximizing your attic’s insulation not only saves money – it also reduces environmental impact. The long service life and recyclability of blown-in insulation add to its eco-friendly appeal.
Outlook for Blown-in Insulation Costs and Supply
With fluctuating material costs and supply chain issues, what is the outlook for blown-in insulation affordability in the coming years? Here are a few projections:
- High gas prices – Petroleum is required for manufacturing fiberglass and cellulose. Expect insulation prices to track with oil and gas markets.
- Ongoing supply shortages – COVID shutdowns, high material demand, and events like storms can create temporary shortages and price spikes.
- Focus on energy efficiency – Government incentives for home efficiency upgrades may help with material supply and contain cost increases.
- Development of bio-based cellulose – As more cellulose insulation shifts to bio-based manufacturing using growing crops, costs may decrease.
- Expanded recycling programs – If recycling expands, the supply of raw materials for cellulose insulation from waste paper may increase and help lower prices.
- Rising labor costs – Installation accounts for up to 50% of total insulation service costs. Rising wages will likely drive installed insulation prices higher over time.
While blown-in insulation costs may rise in the short term, focus on the long-term savings from lower energy bills. Added attic insulation is one of the best investments you can make in your home for comfort and energy savings.
Is DIY Blown-in Attic Insulation Worth It?
For homeowners wondering “should I install blown-in insulation myself or hire a professional?”, here are some factors to help decide if DIY attic insulation is worthwhile:
Worth it if: