Originally published on Built From Scratch

Sealing air leaks around your home and adding insulation are two of the most cost-effective ways to improve energy efficiency and comfort in your home. By tackling both projects, you can maximize your comfort and save up to 10% on your annual energy bills.

Every October, ENERGY STAR’s Rule Your Attic campaign aims to help homeowners improve their insulation levels. Insulation helps keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Here are some key pieces of information to remember:

• There are several common types of insulation— batt fiberglass, blown fiberglass cellulose, rock wool, foam board, and spray foam. When correctly installed, each type of insulation can deliver comfort and savings, especially during the hottest and coldest times of the year. Learn more about the types of insulation at HomeDepot.com.
  
• Insulation that has been certified by EPA-recognized third-party certification bodies is independently tested to ensure it delivers performance while meeting strict safety standards. Just look for the Seal and Insulate with ENERGY STAR mark on products at your local retailer.
  
• Insulation performance is measured by R-value—its ability to resist heat flow. Higher R-values equal greater insulating power. Different R-values are recommended for walls, attics, basements, and crawlspaces based on your area of the country (see Recommended Home Insulation R-Values).

Adding attic insulation is DIY project if your attic is accessible and not too difficult to move around in. However, if upon inspection of your attic you find any major issues like mold, moisture or exposed wiring, consider hiring a contractor to correct these problems before proceeding.

Insulation works best when air is not moving through or around it. So, whether you do it yourself or hire a contractor, remember to seal air leaks before installing insulation to make sure you get the full R-value from the insulation you buy.

Find out how easy it is to Rule Your Attic and see what experts have to say about boosting energy efficiency on The Home Depot’s Eco Actions website. Visit HomeDepot.com for information, including simple sealing and insulating projects for the whole house.  

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