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Insulation - The Stuff on the Fluff
- Insulation is measured in R-values. The higher the value the better.
- Look for an "energy label" containing the home's R-values. Check near the main electric service panel of near the hatch or stairway to the attic.
- If you can't find a posted energy label, look directly on the insulation for the R-value or measure the actual thickness of the insulation.
Target Insulation Levels
| Location | Southern Region | Northern Region | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good | Great! | Good | Great! | |
| Ceiling/Attic | R30 | R38 | R38 | R45 |
| Walls | R13 | R19 | R19 | R23 |
| Floors | R9 | R25 | R25 | R30 |
| Basement Walls | any | any | R11 | R19 |
| Slab | any | any | R4 or R5 | R8 |
For more information on insulating your home, see:
- The Insulation and Weatherization chapter of DOE's Energy Savers Booklet
- EERE's Insulation and Weatherization page
- The article Snowy and Icy Indicators of Wasted Money in Home Energy Magazine
- Southface Institute's fact sheet on Insulation Basics