September 21, 2018
According to Energy Star, 9 out of 10 homes in the U.S. are under-insulated. Fall is a great time to inspect your attic for proper insulation and add more if necessary. The temperatures are mild and even a small improvement can save you bundles on your winter heating bills.
Continue reading to learn how to measure your attic insulation levels so you know if you need more insulation or not. For help measuring and adding attic insulation, contact the Diamond-Certified Service Champions to inspect your home for sufficient insulation and offer energy-saving solutions for your property.
One easy way to tell if you need more insulation is by looking across the span of your attic. If you can see your rim joists in the attic, it’s time to add some insulation. Your insulation levels should be well above the rim joists.
For a more accurate measurement of proper insulation levels, we recommend using a yard stick or thick measuring tape to determine if you have the proper amount of attic insulation.
Learn how much attic insulation you need with a few simple tools:
So, put on a dust mask and gloves and grab your measuring stick or tape and a phone/camera.
Once you have measured a few spots around the attic, calculate the R-value by multiplying the average depth of your insulation (in inches) by the R-value for your particular insulation type:
What you see: | What it probably is | Depth (inches) | Total R-value | |
Loose | Light-weight yellow, pink, or white | Fiberglass | _____ | = 2.5 x Depth |
Dense gray or near white, may have black specs | Rock wool | _____ | = 2.8 x Depth | |
Small gray flat pieces or fibers (from newsprint) | Cellulose | _____ | = 3.7 x Depth | |
Granules | Light-weight | Vermiculite or Perlite | _____ | = 2.7 x Depth |
Batts | Light-weight yellow, pink, or white | Fiberglass | _____ | = 3.2 x Depth |
Source: Energy Star
We recommend a minimum R38, which is usually between 13 and 14 inches of insulation.
Insulation levels are measured by their R-value. R-value is the measure of thermal resistance, of insulation or building materials and components.
The higher the R-value number, the better your insulation is able to resist heat traveling through it.
Below is a table of Recommended Home Insulation R-Values provided by Energy Star:
Zone | Add the following insulation levels to your attic | Floor | |
For uninsulated | For attics with existing 3−4 inches | For uninsulated basements | |
1 | R30 to R49 | R25 to R30 | R13 |
2 | R30 to R60 | R25 to R38 | R13 to R19 |
3 | R30 to R60 | R25 to R38 | R19 to R25h |
4 | R38 to R60 | R38 | R25 to R30 |
5 to 8 | R49 to R60 | R38 to R49 | R25 to R30 |
If you live in California, the minimum R-value should be R30. For maximum savings and efficiency, we recommend a minimum of R38.
When adding attic insulation, you don’t have to use the same type of insulation that is currently being used. You can mix and match; however, it’s wise to consult with a professional.
We can ensure your home is comfortable year-round by adding a cloud layer of insulation. Learn more about our Signature Comfort Cloud™ Solution.
Service Champions is known for trustworthy, on-time HVAC and insulation service throughout the East Bay, South Bay, and Sacramento areas.