How much will adding insulation save me on my power bill?
Gus Koedding • January 23, 2025
The energy bill savings from upgrading insulation from R-9 to R-49 can vary depending on factors such as your climate zone, the size of your home, heating and cooling systems, and energy rates. However, a general estimate can be made based on the energy efficiency improvements from such an upgrade.
1. Heat Loss Reduction with R-Value Increase
- R-9 insulation: Offers minimal resistance to heat flow, meaning significant heat is lost (in winter) or gained (in summer).
- R-49 insulation: Drastically reduces heat transfer, cutting energy loss by up to 80% or more compared to R-9, particularly in attic spaces, where most heat escapes.
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that heating and cooling account for 50-70% of a home's energy usage. Proper insulation can significantly reduce these costs.
2. Average Energy Savings
- Annual Savings Estimate: Upgrading from R-9 to R-49 can save homeowners 15-25% on heating and cooling costs, depending on the region and other factors.
- For example, if your energy bill for heating and cooling is $2,000 annually, savings could range from $300 to $500 per year.
- In colder climates, where heating needs are higher, savings can reach the higher end of this range (25% or more).
3. Example by Climate Zone
The potential savings depend heavily on your climate zone:
- (Spokane & Coeur d'Alene) Cold Climates (Zone 5-7): Savings are highest because the heating demand is significant, and attic insulation reduces heat loss dramatically.
- Hot Climates (Zone 1-3): Savings are also noticeable because insulation prevents heat gain, reducing cooling costs.
- Temperate Climates (Zone 4): Moderate savings, depending on seasonal heating and cooling needs.
4. Payback Period
- Cost of Upgrade: Upgrading attic insulation to R-49 typically costs between $1.50 and $3.50 per square foot.
- For a 1,000 sq. ft. attic, the cost would range from $1,500 to $3,500.
- Payback Time: With annual savings of $300 to $500. The savings and benefits increase significantly in extreme climates.
5. Additional Benefits
- Comfort Improvement: Better insulation eliminates drafts and hot/cold spots, enhancing comfort year-round.
- HVAC Longevity: Reducing heat loss and gain means your HVAC system doesn't have to work as hard, extending its lifespan.
- Resale Value: Improved insulation is a selling point for potential buyers.
Conclusion
Switching from R-9 to R-49 insulation can result in 15-25% annual energy savings, translating to $300-$500 or more per year on heating and cooling costs. The savings and benefits increase significantly in extreme climates.
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Attic mold foggers might sound like a quick-fix miracle in a can—but the truth is, they’re often more smoke than solution. Here’s a straight-up breakdown of the shortcomings of mold foggers when it comes to attic mold : 🚫 1. They Don’t Eliminate the Source Mold grows because of moisture and poor ventilation . Foggers don’t fix: Roof leaks Bathroom fans dumping into the attic Blocked soffits Air leaks from the home into the attic No matter how much fog you pump up there, the mold’s coming back if the conditions stay the same. ⚠️ 2. No Physical Mold Removal Foggers do not scrub, lift, or remove mold colonies . They only coat surfaces. Mold still needs to be: Brushed off Vacuumed with a HEPA system Treated with antimicrobial agents Dead mold spores can still trigger allergies and health issues—so leaving them there isn’t a win. 🪵 3. Poor Penetration on Porous Surfaces Attics are full of raw, porous wood —rafters, sheathing, joists. Foggers often can’t penetrate deep enough into the wood grain where mold roots have taken hold. That means: Spores may survive inside the wood Regrowth is likely, especially in humid climates 🧴 4. Short-Term Fix, No Residual Protection Most over-the-counter foggers don’t leave behind a long-lasting antimicrobial barrier. Unlike encapsulation with mold-killing primers , foggers offer: No surface sealing No moisture resistance No long-term protection 🧯 5. False Sense of Security Because foggers leave a scent and the mold "looks better," homeowners may think the problem is solved—but the underlying issue remains . This delays real remediation and can lead to much worse (and more expensive) problems later. 💸 6. Cost vs. Effectiveness For DIYers, foggers aren’t cheap—and they don’t replace: Proper insulation removal Real mold remediation Ventilation correction So you're spending money to mask the problem rather than fix it. ✅ Bottom Line: Foggers may help with odor control or surface disinfecting, but they’re not a standalone solution for attic mold. Real mold remediation requires: Source control (leaks, ventilation) Physical removal Disinfection with EPA-registered products Sealing with mold-resistant primers Insulation replacement if contaminated
Mold remediation isn't just spraying bleach and walking away. It's a multi-step process that requires proper containment, safety, treatment, and restoration. Here's a deep dive into the phases of mold remediation. 🧰 1. Inspection & Moisture Source Identification What’s involved: Visual attic inspection Moisture readings (IR cameras or moisture meters) Identifying leak sources, venting issues, insulation saturation 🔒 2. Containment & Setup What’s involved: Sealing off the work area with plastic sheeting Creating negative air pressure (HEPA fan) Floor protection and access control 🧼 3. Insulation Removal (if contaminated) What’s involved: Attic vacuum system for blown-in or batt insulation Bagging and disposal of contaminated material 🧪 4. Mold Cleaning & Disinfection What’s involved: Applying EPA-registered products (e.g., Vital Oxide , Benefect, Concrobium) Brushing/scrubbing visible mold HEPA vacuuming all surfaces 🎨 5. Encapsulation What’s involved: Spraying mold-resistant primer/sealant (e.g., Zinsser Perma-White , Fiberlock Aftershock) Covering all exposed wood (rafters, decking, joists) 🌬️ 6. Ventilation Correction & Air Sealing What’s involved: Bathroom fan rerouting to exterior Unclogging soffits Installing baffles Sealing light can penetrations, top plates, pipes 🧱 7. Insulation Reinstallation What’s involved: Installing new blown-in cellulose (often R-49 or greater) Final prep, air sealing touch-ups ⚠️ Notes on Pricing: Emergency jobs (flood/mold after storms) = higher labor rate Crawlspaces or tight attics increase time and hazard pay Licensed mold remediation companies often include limited warranties, which may increase overhead
