Expert Advice on Home Improvement TV Host of Emmy®-Nominated Today's Homeowner® and home expert for The Weather Channel

Attic Insulation

Video, Attics and Basements, Heating and Cooling, Interior, Ask Danny, Green Living, Insulation Published 03/24/2007 by Danny Lipford

Homeowners ask me all the time how they can control their monthly utility bills. Many have resigned themselves to paying high bills because they think that’s just the price you have to pay to be comfortable and that’s certainly a factor. According to the Department of Energy, 50-70% of the energy used in the average American home goes toward heating and cooling. But, by properly insulating the attic, you can reduce the amount of energy used and, in turn reduce your monthly utility bills. The older your home is the more likely it is that you need more insulation. If you can look through your attic and see the tops of your ceiling joists then you probably need more insulation. This material can be purchased in rolls or it can be mechanically blown into the attic. The Department of Energy has created guidelines that show you exactly how much insulation is needed in specific regions. You can find those guidelines on their website or in some cases, at your local homecenter.