How Much Does Quality Insulation Cost in Maryland?

As the weather starts to get cooler once more, you may be wondering how you can keep your house warm and energy bills low this coming winter. The answer? Insulation. Insulation is a material that acts as a barrier to both heat loss and heat gain. In residential homes, insulation is most commonly installed in roofs, ceilings, walls and floors. Insulation is one of the most cost-effective and practical ways to ensure your home is cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter, and much more energy efficient year-round. Not only that, but insulation also works to reduce the amount of condensation in your home, which in turn reduces mold, dampness and other unwanted air pollutants from infiltrating your home.

How Does Insulation Work?

In basic terms, insulation works by stopping the transfer of heat. In winter, this means preventing the cold air from outside infiltrating inside, which keeps the home warm. In summer, insulation works by trapping the cool air inside, while at the same time stopping the heat from outside coming inside. Insulation not only ensures your home is comfortable by keeping a consistent indoor temperature, but it also reduces how often you need to use your home’s air conditioning system. This is what makes insulation an important feature of any energy-efficient home.

The Different Types of Insulation

There are a few different types of insulation, each type is used in different areas of the home for varying insulating needs. Here are the four common types of insulation used in residential homes:

• Blanket insulation. Blanket insulation is filled with mineral fibers, including rockwool and fiberglass and comes in a rolled-up form.  
• Polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foam insulation. This type of insulation is sprayed into the crevices and cracks of a home to prevent air leakage.
• Loose fill insulation. Loose fill insulation is made of cellulose, rockwool and/or fiberglass and comes in pellets or fibers.
• Rigid insulation. Rigid insulation is generally installed in boards or pipe fittings and is used to insulate wall sheaths and foundations.

Do I Need Insulation if I Live in Maryland?

If you live in Maryland, you may be wondering if you need insulation. After all, Maryland is fortunate enough to experience a mild climate year-round. However, even with Maryland’s’ pleasant climate, insulation is still a necessity for all Maryland homes. As you now know, insulation works to stop the transfer of heat, making it one of the most important features of an energy-efficient home. And, while Maryland’s climate is mild, it is still important your home is properly insulated. Here is a recap of the benefits of insulating your home:  

• Reduces your energy bills
• Greater resale value when you sell
• Improves the durability of your home by reducing the humidity and the amount of mold that accumulates
• Reduces your energy use and lowers your greenhouse gas emissions
• Improves your comfort at home

How Much Should You Pay for Quality Insulation in Maryland?

Now that we have established that insulation is important for Maryland homes, you may be interested in knowing just how much you should pay for quality insulation in Maryland. When it comes to determining the cost of quality insulation in Maryland, there are a few factors to consider, such as:

• Type of insulation
• R-Value of the insulation
• Any other work required to complete the project
• How the insulation is installed

As you can see, the cost of quality insulation depends on a few factors, so there is no one-price-fits-all. We always advise you ask a professional home improvement contractor to evaluate the specific needs of your home so you can get the most accurate estimate. When hiring a professional insulation contractor, it is important to receive a few quotes and to not necessarily choose the lowest bid. Trust, experience, professionalism and online reviews are much more important than accepting a contractor’s bid based on price alone.