You Can Insulate Your Attic

Adding insulation to your attic is one of the most cost-effective, energy-saving measures you can take. In addition to reducing heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer, attic floor insulation improves comfort by providing even temperature distribution throughout your house.

Do you need to add insulation?

If your home is experiencing any of these problems, it might be a good candidate for an attic insulation project:

• Drafty rooms
• Uneven temperatures between rooms
• High heating or cooling costs
• Ice dams in winter

Checking your insulation levels

If you already have insulation, you'll have to find out what type you have and how much. Most attics have batt insulation or loose fill. Batt insulation is that fuzzy stuff that comes in rolls, while loose fill is the chunky stuff that's blown in.

Shove a ruler or tape measure down into the insulation at several places in the attic to measure the depth. Go to the ENERGY STAR® Insulation Calculator to determine how much insulation you need. If you can see the tops of the joists, you probably need more insulation.

Safety comes first

As with any project, safety is important. Wear protective gear, such as gloves, safety glasses and a dust mask. Make sure the attic is well-lit and carry a flashlight. Be careful to walk only on joists to avoid falling through the ceiling.

Easy steps to insulating your attic

You can choose to add more loose fill or batts. Loose fill typically requires special equipment; it might be wise to hire a SWEPCO-approved contractor and take advantage of our Residential Energy Improvement Incentives. Laying fiberglass rolls is easiest for a DIY project.

If you use fiberglass over loose fill, make sure the fiberglass batt has no paper or foil backing; it needs to be unfaced. If you have any type of insulation between the rafters, install the second layer over and perpendicular to the first. This will help cover the tops of the joists and reduce heat loss or gain through the frame.

Keep insulation away from anything potentially hazardous, such as a recessed lighting can, a flue or a masonry chimney. Also, avoid covering soffit vents, which allow outside air in to circulate in the attic. Remember to insulate only over the living space. There's no need to insulate over unconditioned spaces, such as a porch or garage.

Insulating your attic will keep the air temperature in your home more consistent. It will also reduce your heating and cooling bills. It takes some time and effort, but it will go a long way toward making your home more comfortable and efficient.

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