Key Takeaways:
1. Your attic might be hiding valuable treasures. Cleaning out your attic and selling unused items can earn you extra money, making it an appealing starting point for an attic insulation project.
2. Proper attic insulation can significantly reduce heating costs. If you can see wooden joists when you look into your attic, it’s likely underinsulated. Adding fiberglass roll insulation is a practical DIY solution for homeowners.
3. Attic insulation contributes to a healthier living environment by acting as a moisture barrier, preventing mold formation. Studies show a connection between moldy living spaces and respiratory illnesses.
4. Insulation works both ways, keeping your home cooler in the summer. This leads to reduced energy consumption, lower utility bills, and decreased maintenance costs for your air conditioning system.
As homeowners, we often overlook the attic – a dark and forgotten space used mainly for storing old, unused items. However, there are significant benefits to cleaning out your attic and ensuring it’s adequately insulated. Let’s explore these advantages:
#1. How Does An Extra $7,000 Sound?
You’d be surprised at the value of the unused items in your home’s attic. Research by the NPD Group estimates it to be around $7,000 on average. Unlike the clutter in your garage, many valuable items find their way into the attic. Before insulating, consider decluttering your attic and selling these items. It’s a great way to free up space and earn some extra cash, providing an excellent incentive to start your attic insulation project.
#2. Slash Your Heating Costs By 40 Percent
One quick way to check if your attic is insulated is to peek inside. If you can see the wooden joists above your ceiling, your attic likely lacks insulation or could use more. The most common type of attic insulation is fiberglass roll insulation, readily available at your local hardware store. Installing this insulation is a manageable DIY project for most homeowners. A significant portion of your home’s energy consumption goes into heating and cooling, with uninsulated attics wasting 40 percent of this energy. Adding fiberglass roll insulation can substantially reduce your heating costs, making your home more energy-efficient.
#3. Give Yourself A Healthier Living Environment
Creating a healthier living environment involves addressing areas where moisture can seep in. Windows, basements, and roofs are the primary culprits, and insulating your attic is a wise choice. Attic insulation acts as a barrier against moisture, helping prevent mold formation. Studies by the American Medical Association have linked moldy living environments to various health issues, especially respiratory conditions. Insulating your attic not only saves on energy but also contributes to a healthier indoor atmosphere.
#4. Spend Less On AC Maintenance
Understanding the R-value is essential when considering insulation. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation’s effectiveness. Fiberglass batts typically have an R-value of about 3 per inch, while blown-in cellulose insulation has an R-value of approximately 3.5 per inch. To achieve the recommended R38 for attic insulation, you’d need around 10 inches of cellulose insulation. The beauty of insulation is that it works both ways. During summer, it keeps your home cooler by blocking the transfer of heat from the hot roof. As a result, your air conditioning unit operates more efficiently, reducing your utility bills and maintenance costs.
Taking care of your attic and insulating it not only adds value to your home but also ensures a more comfortable, energy-efficient, and healthier living environment. It’s a win-win situation that benefits both your wallet and your well-being.