How Much Insulation Do I Need in My Home?

The insulation in your home is probably not something you think about too often. It’s easy to forget about it because it’s out of sight, out of mind. Checking the insulation in your home is an important part of keeping the entire home in good condition and saving you from unnecessary expenses. It’s best to have a professional check out your insulation instead of turning it into a DIY job, but let’s discuss what you can expect the contractors to be looking for! 

Why is Insulation Important? 

Insulation helps your home regulate the temperature inside the home. Without insulation, it would be nearly impossible for your HVAC system to maintain a comfortable temperature without running constantly. A home without enough insulation is more likely to experience high energy bills throughout the harsher seasons. If you live in a climate with harsh winters, a lack of insulation puts you at a higher risk for freezing pipes and water damage. 

Insulating the Attic 

Insulating your attic keeps the cold air from your AC from escaping through roof vents or being overwhelmed by hot air that comes in through the attic. Attic insulation should be at least 12 inches thick. This is a minimum suggestion though – the more the better! Adding insulation that’s 15 to 20 inches thick will improve the performance even more and make it easier for your home to maintain a comfortable temperature. Adding insulation to your attic is an affordable home improvement project that sees a great return on investment in your monthly heating and cooling bills. 

Insulating the Walls 

The attic has a lot more space for insulation than the inside of your walls. It’s recommended to put as much insulation in the walls as you can fit. The insulation should go floor to ceiling, wall to wall, all throughout the home. Insulation is safe to put around electrical boxes, wires, and other utility lines in your home. Insulation can also be added to the outside of your walls under the siding. The insulation used between the wall and siding is foam, unlike what goes inside the walls. If you purchased a home and aren’t sure how much insulation is actually in the walls, it’s always a good idea to hire a contractor to come to inspect the area and add insulation as needed! 

Contact Anderson Insulation of Maine today to speak with one of our experienced insulation contractors. Our team can assess the current insulation in your home and replace or add to it as needed. Summer is a great time to improve your home insulation to cut down on heating and cooling bills all year round! Our insulation contractors have the knowledge, tools, and materials to ensure the job is done right the first time. Call today to schedule your insulation consultation!