Insulation Calculator

Calculate potential savings from improved home insulation. Discover how proper insulation can reduce your heating costs and improve comfort.

Insulation Savings Calculator

Calculate potential savings from home insulation

Monthly energy usage

Cost per kilowatt-hour

Total living space size

Insulation Benefits

Why proper insulation is essential for energy efficiency and comfort

Cost Savings

Reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 30%

Comfort

Maintain consistent temperature throughout your home

Environment

Reduce carbon footprint and energy consumption

Types of Insulation

Understanding different insulation materials and their applications

1

Wall Insulation

Cavity wall and solid wall insulation options

2

Loft Insulation

Most cost-effective insulation with highest savings

3

Floor Insulation

Underfloor insulation for ground floor rooms

4

Double Glazing

Window and door upgrades for heat retention

  1. 1

    Measure Areas Needing Insulation

    Calculate square footage for: attic (length × width), walls (height × perimeter - windows/doors), basement/crawl space. Prioritize attic first - accounts for 25-35% of heat loss and easiest to upgrade.

  2. 2

    Check Current R-Value

    Measure existing insulation thickness and identify type. Fiberglass: 1 inch = R-3.2, cellulose: R-3.7, spray foam: R-6.5. No insulation = R-1. Use flashlight to check attic - should see at least 10-12 inches.

  3. 3

    Determine Target R-Value

    Look up recommended R-value for your climate zone. Cold climates: Attic R-49 to R-60, walls R-18 to R-21. Moderate: Attic R-38 to R-49, walls R-13 to R-15. Warm: Attic R-30 to R-38.

  4. 4

    Select Insulation Type

    Choose material: Fiberglass batts (cheapest, DIY-friendly, R-3.2/inch), blown cellulose (good for attics, R-3.7/inch), spray foam (best performance, air sealing, R-6.5/inch, professional install). Consider budget and target R-value.

  5. 5

    Calculate Savings and ROI

    Calculator shows installation cost, annual energy savings, and payback period. Attic insulation typically pays back in 2-7 years through reduced heating/cooling bills. Factor in comfort improvements and increased home value.

Pro Tip: Use Ctrl+Enter to calculate quickly, or Ctrl+R to reset the form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Attic insulation provides best ROI. 25-35% of heat escapes through roof - easiest and cheapest to fix. Target R-38 to R-60 for attics. Cost: $1.50-$3.50 per sq ft installed. Typical savings: 15-25% on heating bills. Payback: 2-7 years. Second priority: basement/crawl space, then walls.

Depends on climate zone. Cold climates: Attic R-49 to R-60, walls R-18 to R-21. Moderate climates: Attic R-38 to R-49, walls R-13 to R-15. Warm climates: Attic R-30 to R-38, walls R-13. Check current insulation first - adding to R-19 attic is much more valuable than R-30 to R-40.

Spray foam is superior (R-6.5 per inch, air sealing) but 3-4x cost of fiberglass (R-3.2 per inch). Best strategy: spray foam for rim joists, knee walls, and problem areas; fiberglass for large areas like attics. Cellulose is middle ground - good R-value, eco-friendly, moderate cost.

DIY attic insulation is feasible with fiberglass batts or blown cellulose rental ($50/day). Safety: wear mask, goggles, gloves, long sleeves - insulation irritates skin/lungs. Avoid covering recessed lights or blocking ventilation. Wall and spray foam insulation requires professional installation. DIY saves 30-50% on labor ($500-1,500) but takes 1-3 days.

Quality varies by type. Fiberglass/cellulose: lasts 80-100 years if dry and undisturbed, but settles 10-20% over decades (reducing R-value). Spray foam: 80+ years with no settling. Moisture is enemy - wet insulation loses 50%+ R-value and grows mold. Check attic insulation every 5-10 years for settling, moisture damage, or pest infestation. Add more if compressed or degraded.