Energy Star Attic Insulation R Value

The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to r 38 or about 10 to 14 inches depending on insulation type.

Energy star attic insulation r value.

Methodology for estimated energy savings from cost effective air sealing and insulating. Add insulation to attic. Add the right kind of insulation. The higher the r value the greater the resistance.

Combined with attic air sealing it can also help to alleviate the formation of dangerous ice dams in the winter. You can use the small pressurized cans of foam. Therefore how well insulation performs is more accurately measured by its total r value than by inches of thickness. Visual check of insulation levels.

Add insulation to attic. Recommended insulation levels for retrofitting existing wood framed buildings. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat flow. Foam in place insulation can be blown into walls on attic surfaces or under floors to insulate and reduce air leakage.

Looking across your attic if the insulation is level with or below the attic floor joists you probably need to add more insulation. Some installations can yield a higher r value than traditional batt insulation for the same thickness and can fill even the smallest cavities creating an effective air barrier. R values per inch vary with different types of materials. Use this insulation savings calculator to measure the financial impact of increasing your insulation performance.

Either read the r value printed on the batts of your existing insulation or use a measuring tape ruler to measure the depth of the insulation inches. Enter your data into the fields where indicated. Existing 3 4 inches of insulation. Sealing air leaks around your home and adding insulation can help your home be more comfortable and energy efficient and provide up to a 10 savings on your annual energy bills simple fixes include installing weather stripping on doors and caulking around windows while bigger jobs might include sealing leaks and adding insulation in your attic.

Epa estimates that homeowners can save an average of 15 on heating and cooling costs or an average of 11 on total energy costs by air sealing their homes and adding insulation in attics floors over crawl spaces and accessible basement rim joists. Insulation should be between any area that separates a heated space from an unheated space. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Square feet of house or area to be insulated current and desired r value for insulation and type and cost of your energy.

By adding insulation in your attic you can maintain the desired temperature throughout your home much better.