Insulating your attic is one of the most effective ways to save money on your heating and cooling costs. But for attic insulation to be effective, you need to have enough of it.
At Total Home Performance, we’ve been insulating houses in Maryland and Delaware for over 16 years. We know what works best for local homes, so you get the highest possible savings.
In this guide, we break down the insulation R-value recommendations for Mid-Atlantic homes and key signs that you need more attic insulation.
How Is Insulation Measured?
Insulation levels are measured by R-value. R-value describes the insulation's ability to resist heat moving through it. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.
But that doesn’t mean you should just shove as much insulation as possible into your attic.
There are ideal R-values for every region in the United States (described as Climate Zones) and, once you reach that level, adding more won’t make a difference. But, if you have less than what’s recommended, you’re sure to feel it in how comfortable your house is and how much money you spend on energy bills.
What’s the Right Amount of Attic Insulation for Mid-Atlantic Homes?
In Maryland’s climate zone (Zone 4), the Department of Energy recommends attics have between R-49 and R-60 worth of insulation. That’s much more than what most older homes were originally built with. If your attic only has a few inches of insulation covering the floor, there’s a good chance it’s under-insulated.
But insulation is only part of the solution. To be truly effective, it needs to be paired with attic air sealing, which closes up the small gaps and cracks where air slips into your home.
This is because insulation only slows down heat transfer through walls and floors (called conduction). Air sealing, meanwhile, stops heat loss and gain through the air (convection). This is especially important in our region, where humidity is a major concern, because you want to keep that humid air out of your house. If it gets in, it will affect your comfort and can also cause damage, including mold.
Together, the right amount of attic insulation and air sealing will keep heat inside your home during the winter and block it out during the summer, so you stay more comfortable with lower energy costs year-round.
Signs Your Attic Is Not Well Insulated
It’s not always easy to tell whether you need more attic insulation at a glance. But there will be signs.
If you notice any of these in your home, give us a call for a professional insulation evaluation. We’ll measure how much insulation you have in your attic, evaluate its condition, and help you decide whether it’s time to add more.
1. Hot & Cold Spots
In a well-insulated home, temperatures are consistent between every room. If you have some rooms that are always too hot or too cold, especially on the second floor, you likely need better attic insulation.
2. Unexplainably High Energy Bills
High energy costs, especially during peak summer or peak winter, can be due to energy loss through the attic. If your bills are higher than they should be, it might be a sign you need better insulation.
3. Old, Dirty, or Wet Insulation
Insulation degrades over time and becomes less effective, especially if it gets wet. If your attic insulation looks dirty, wet, or flattened, it isn’t doing its job effectively and should be replaced.
4. Drafts
Do you feel cold drafts coming down when you stand near your attic hatch in the winter, or a blast of hot, humid air in the summer? That’s a clear sign that your attic is not well-insulated or air-sealed.
5. Bare Attic Floor
Insulation is usually installed so that it covers your attic floor. If the floor is bare or patchy, you almost definitely need more insulation.
Ready to Upgrade Your Attic Insulation?
If your attic isn’t well insulated, you're wasting money. Total Home Performance can help you get things back on track with professional attic insulation and air sealing. As a BPI-certified, Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® contractor serving Maryland and Delaware homeowners since 2009, we specialize in diagnosing and fixing insulation issues for good.