You may not spend much time in your attic, but it has a significant impact on your home’s energy efficiency. With quality attic insulation, your home can more easily maintain comfortable temperatures, which will reduce your HVAC bills. If your attic lacks insulation or its current setup doesn't seem up to par, here are a few tips to prepare for a new installation.

How to Choose New Attic Insulation

1. Select the Material

A wide variety of insulation materials are now available, each with pros and cons. Fiberglass batting is available in large rolls, or batts, with greater thicknesses offering better insulation. Though quite cost-effective, it's easily damaged by moisture. Blow-in options, like cellulose, provide an extremely high R-value and better seal nooks and crannies where batting can’t be easily installed, but they tend to be more costly.

2. Determine How Much Insulation Is Needed

Contractors recommend a minimum thickness of R30 for the attic, with greater thicknesses up to R60 available to provide even greater insulation. The local climate will determine the right amount—the colder the area, the more insulation needed. In mild coastal areas, like California, insulation R-values in the low 30s are common.

3. Compare the Costs

The cost of your attic insulation largely comes down to the material. The cost is usually totaled by square feet, so the more space you need to insulate, the more expensive the project will be. Fiberglass batting is generally the cheapest option, while spray foam is the most expensive. Thicker insulation is also more expensive but will be offset by energy savings in the long run.

If you need to upgrade your attic insulation, contact Hunter’s Insulation in Granada Hills, CA. Serving Greater Los Angeles and Ventura County, their licensed, bonded, and insured team offers fiberglass and cellulose insulation to fit your budget and needs. To learn more about their services, visit them online, or call (818) 979-5857 to request a free estimate.