How Much Should You Pay For Quality Insulation in Virginia?

Winter may be coming to an end, but it is never too late (or too early) to install quality insulation in your home. Even though spring is just around the corner, we can still expect brisk mornings and chilly evenings. February is a great time of year to invest in quality insulation as it helps to regulate the temperature of your home, meaning you are less reliant on heating and cooling.

Not only does quality insulation reduce your heating and cooling bills, but it also provides extra comfort. The purpose of this article to provide a guide to insulation costs so you can better plan and budget for your upgrade.

Why Is Insulation So Important?

It will come as no surprise to most Americans that heating and cooling accounts for almost half of the energy use in a typical US home.

In fact, research conducted by the Department of Energy revealed that heating and cooling makes up 48% of total energy use. As you might expect, this means that heating and cooling is the largest energy expense for most US homes. Yet as utility prices continue to rise and household budgets face ever increasing pressure, there are simple things you can do around your home to beat the chill this winter – and save money.

Insulation overcomes this problem by working to inhibit the transfer of heat. In winter, insulation prevents the cold air outdoors from penetrating inside of your house. Conversely, during summer, insulation helps trap cool, conditioned air inside the home while resisting the heat from outdoors. It is one of the most important features of any energy efficient home.

How Much Does Quality Insulation Cost?

According to manta.com, the average price Virginia residents paid for insulation in 2016 was $433. However, the price may vary between $400 and $1700 according to fixer.com. This may sound like a big difference (and it is), but you should know that there are several factors involved in the calculation of the final insulation price. These include:

• The type of insulation you choose.
• Its R-Value.
• Other handy work needed to complete the project.
• New Insulation vs Upgraded Insulation.

For instance, if you opt for a DIY complete attic insulation and air sealing, the total cost may be around $400 for an average size home. But if you want to insulate your entire home, the cost will be much higher.

For an attic insulation, the average price per square foot ranges between $1.50 and $3.50. That sounds great, but it is just the beginning. You must add to that the cost of labor, insurance and business costs and specialty machinery.  Should you require services, an additional $75-$150 per hour should be budgeted for an electrician. Electrical rewiring is an essential part of most insulation upgrades and is important if you want to make sure your project is safe and able to deliver for the long term. Other elements your insulation project may include that will require budgeting:

• Repairing rotten wood.
• Adding or extending central heating to the attic.
• Adding seals around chimneys and framing.
• Having a professional check for water leaks.
• Plumbing work.

Of course, all these come at an extra cost. But there is no need to panic – everything depends on the current state of your insulation and home. However, it is advisable to get a qualified home improvement contractor to evaluate your needs first, allowing you to prepare an accurate budget before you begin the project.

Determining The Quality And Type Of Insulation

The quality of the insulation you need depends greatly on the area you live in. Virginia has a mild climate, which means that your needs for heating and cooling are moderate. Still, you need to make sure that the insulation you choose adheres to the minimum R-Value guidelines. You can read more about this here.

If you are spending too much on cooling and heating your home insulation improvements can help reduce energy consumption and power bills.

While improving insulation around your home can really deliver great returns on investment and improved comfort, it is important to know all the options and potential pitfalls out there.

If you would like to know more about how to properly insulate your home while saving you energy dollars all year round, contact Windows on Washington today.