The best way to lower the amount of energy needed to heat or cool your home is to keep your home’s temperature as even as possible and the best way to do that is to use insulation. Think of insulation as blanket that’s usually installed in your home’s walls, ceilings, and sometimes the floors. Insulation’s main job is to keep your home’s temperature from dramatic swings. Using the correct insulation (both type and amount) will save you money while making your home more comfortable.

• ^[2] In an existing home, it’s important to know the location and amount of insulation you already have, and then add insulation from there.
• In a new home or a remodel, install as much insulation as you can, using the newest insulating materials available. Always talk to your builder since many  simply stick to what they’ve always used. Chances are good that you need much more.

Most old homes have far less insulation than new homes — an energy audit will help you find out where your home stands. If you don’t want to pay for an audit, your home’s original builder may still have records about the kind of insulation used in the construction process. If not, you can probably check your insulation yourself. Start in the attic and any spaces that adjoin unheated spaces, such as basements and garages, to see the types (and thicknesses) of insulation they have. To check your insulation:

1. Use your circuit breaker to turn off the power to the room you’re checking.
2. Locate an electrical socket on the wall.
3. Remove the faceplate and use a flashlight to see into the space behind the wall.
4. Determine the type of material there and use a ruler to measure its thickness.

Types of Insulation

There are many different types of insulation, including fiberglass, wool, plastic, spray foam, and natural materials. Knowing which one to use means understanding the level of insulation you’ll need and the R-value (ability of the insulating material to restrict the flow of heat) you’re looking to achieve.

After you’ve determined what kind of insulation you have, go to the Department of Energy’s online insulation calculator ^[3] to learn how much insulation you might need for your specific region.