All Bundled Up: DIY Attic, Basement, and Crawlspace Insulation

Proper insulation lowers home energy costs and isn’t difficult to install.

Insulating an attic not only cuts down on heating costs and keeps the home cozy, but can also be the first step toward turning the room into a living space. fizkes/Shutterstock

Insulating the unheated areas of the home is an easy-to-moderate skill level project with big benefits for not only lowering heat and AC bills, but improving overall comfort as well.

Heat flows naturally to cooler spaces. Insulation keeps warm air inside during the winter and cool air inside during the summer. When the attic, basement, or crawlspace has no insulation or is simply under-insulated, this can quickly add to HVAC bills—money that could be better spent on new or additional insulation, which will also help prevent ice dams on the roof, make attics or basements more comfortable, offer some soundproofing, and increase property value.

R is for (Thermal) Resistance

The R-value of an insulation material measures how effectively it can resist heat transfer. The greater the number, the better the insulation performance. This number is calculated using several factors, including thickness, density, and conductivity of the material.