Attic Insulation Do’s and Don’ts

Attic insulation is critical for keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. If you didn’t have it, your HVAC system would have work overtime just to keep your home moderately comfortable. The better the insulation in your attic is, the lower energy costs will be.

Attic Insulation Do’s and Don’ts

• DO check your attic’s level of insulation. If the insulation is at or below the level of the joists, add more insulation.
• DON’T assume your home has adequate insulation. Measuring it is the only way to find out its R-value.
• DO remove damaged insulation. Wet or compressed insulation has no value for keeping your home warm. Replace it with new insulation.
• DON’T install insulation without repairing water leaks. Make sure the roof and any pipes are in good condition. Water logged insulation has no insulation value.
• DO add extra insulation to bring it up to recommended R-levels.In hot climates like Houston’s, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends insulating attics to at least R-30.
• DON’T install insulation without wearing proper protective equipment. Wear gloves, goggles, long sleeves and long pants to protect against fiberglass cuts on the skin.
• DO seal air leaks before adding insulation. Use spray foam around attic windows and vents, and check around eaves.
• DON’T stand on the joists when installing insulation. One wrong step and you can fall through the ceiling. Use planks or plywood to stand on and move them around as needed.
• DO select the right type of insulation. You can use batt or loose fill insulation. Loose fill is great to go over the top of existing batt insulation to improve insulation values.

When you follow these dos and don’ts, your home’s attic will help keep the cool air in during the summer and the warm air in during winter. For more information on attic insulation or other home comfort issues, contact Davis Air Conditioning & Heating. We’ve served our neighbors in the greater Houston area for over 40 years.

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