This has been the coldest winter in years for our area. (No thanks to Punxsutawney Phil!) And our neighbors in the northeast have been shoveling snow by the foot. We think now is a smart time to talk about proper attic insulation.

Did you know? One of the best ways to reduce utility bills is to keep your attic properly insulated. If your home is relatively new, your insulation level is most likely sufficient, but if you own an older home, you should inspect your insulation level to see if it needs to be improved to meet current attic insulation standards.

As a rule of thumb, if you can see the top of your attic’s floor joists, the insulation layer is NOT thick enough. Thicker insulation generally offers a higher R-value (resistance to heat flow or heat loss). Insulation products with higher R-values are more energy efficient.

If you decide to upgrade attic insulation, here are some of the options commonly available:

Blankets and Batts

FIBERGLASS comes in blanket rolls or pre-cut batts. It comes in a variety of thicknesses and widths to match the stud or joist spacing you need to fill. It can be difficult to handle and can compress when being installed. (Be careful: compressing fiberglass lowers it’s R-value!)

It is best to call an experienced contractor, such as UGI Heating Cooling & Plumbing, to advise you on the best type and amount of fiberglass insulation required to make your home more energy efficient. You’ll also be assured of getting a proper installation of your blankets or batts.

Loose-Fill Insulation

Loose-fill insulation is made from materials called CELLULOSE, ROCK WOOL, or FIBERGLASS, and is also known as BLOWN-IN insulation. With loose fill, a machine is used to blow smaller bits of the material over the full area to be insluated. As material is discharged through a big hose, it puffs up and binds together to form a thick layer of insulation. The biggest advantage is that loose fill can cover those hard-to-reach spaces and tight corners inside an attic. This type is installed often by UGI Heating Cooling and Plumbing. Although this choice of material and installation costs a little more than batts or blankets, it does a better job at saving energy and reducing utility bills.

Spray Foam

POLYURETHANE spray foam is one of the newest insulation options available. While it is more expensive than other types, it does make your home extremely energy efficient! During application, the foam is sprayed over the attic ceiling, and as it dries, it expands to form a thick gapless layer of insulation. When done by an insured, trained and bonded contractor like UGI Heating Cooling & Plumbing, it can form a reliable air-tight barrier. This is the ideal choice when converting an attic area into an additional living space.

Experienced Guidance and a Free Estimate

At UGI Heating Cooling & Plumbing, we can help you determine the correct insulation approach to help you save money and keep more comfortable season after season. Our professionals are here to guide you through the entire process. Call 1-833-980-3496 for a free consultation and estimate. We’ve been helping families enjoy indoor comfort for more than 120 years!

For additional reading on attic insulation, visit: http​://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,​,20645175,00.html