Insulation levels are specified by R-Value. R-value is a measure of the insulation’s ability to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to R-38 or about 10 to 14 inches.

Since most home’s HVAC systems usually don’t extend into the garage, insulating this area does little to change the cost of running the system. Insulating the attic above the garage may help keep temperatures in the garage a bit more stable, but it won’t have any appreciable effect on energy bills.

If you have gaps or openings in your ducts, instead of air being blown into your attic, air will be sucked out of your attic. A normal attic can be filled with dust, dirt, insulation and other air contaminants that you don’t want circulating throughout your home.

Uneven temperatures between rooms, high energy bills, HVAC constantly running, and drafty rooms are all signs that your home is not as energy efficient as it could be. Fixing these inefficiencies can make a huge difference in the comfort of your home and help reduce your monthly electric bill.

Both insulation types, when installed correctly, can make your living spaces more comfortable and help lower your energy costs year-round. We recommend cellulose because it is less expensive than blown fiberglass and is just as effective an insulating material.

Uneven temperatures are a sign of leaky ductwork or inefficient insulation levels. Warm air may be escaping from gaps in the ductwork, which would create not only cooler rooms for those furthest from the HVAC system, but also weaker airflow. Insulation can’t do its job if it is not completely filling in the voids between the joints. Even small gaps allow warm air from your attic to leak into your home.

Your home may be eligible for a rebate on ductwork and insulation. Some utilities cover up to $1,000 in rebates. Your Elevation Energy Consultant will be able to advise you on all available rebates to maximize your savings.