Insulation: Where you putting your money?

8 years ago

I am building a new house and didn't realize all of the insulation options. My knowledge is very basic as well as the terminology.

From what I understand these are my options in order (as I think) from cheapest to most expensive.

Batted R-21

Blown in cellulose

Blown in fiberglass

Foam

For the money which will have the best return and what are the pros/cons for each option.

Thanks,

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

mike_home
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
You need to provide more info In order to get guidance. Where are you located, what size house, and how much do you pay for utilities. It doesn't make sense to invest in expensive insulation if your energy needs are low.
Becca Niebrugge
Original Author
8 years ago
2875 sq foot ranch with finished basement. 2" x 6" exterior framing. 3.5/12 pitch with standing seam roof. Combination stone/stucco exterior. Located in central Illinois. This is a new construction so unsure on what utilities will be. Also, weighing out advantages/disadvantages of Geo vs Natural gas.
Related Discussions
Where did you put your thermostat for radiant floor heating?
Q
Comments (21)
I will double check which type of thermostat our tile man plans to use to be sure that it can operate with the floor sensor alone. There will be a heat vent in the closet, so I don't want that small room's temperature to interfere with controlling the floor heat in the adjoining bathroom. Re two sensors: We asked about getting a second floor sensor as back-up in case one fails. The tile man said he had never heard of a need for that, but he is willing to do that for us and he included the second sensor in his bid.
...See More
Where to put $50,000 and make money
Q
Comments (30)
There are two rats that eat your cheese. One agency comes annually to almost all of us (except the *very* low income ones), with a question and a statement. The question is, "How much did you make?" and the statement is, "We want part of it" ... ...except that there are some who earn substantial amounts, whose tax-accountants and tax-lawyers can help them avoid much of the fee. That's the rat of income tax - that eats annually into your income. The other rat is called inflation. Just after World War II, which ran from Aug. '39 till Aug '45, when cars were really hard to get, as there'd been none built for civilians during the war, Dad had a new Ford "Monarch" on order for many months, then the dealer told him that it would cost him $1,600.00 ... but that the (honest) dealer could sell it to another customer for him, if he chose, for $2,000.00, tomorrow. Dad said that he'd take it. When we invest where the guarantee is that the number of dollars invested won't go down ... there's another guarantee: that the number won't increase, either, apart from the rent on the money. And in almost all of the more than 80 years that I've been alive ... each of those dollars would buy less when we got it back than when we gave it to the borrower. Many people spend more time planning their vacation than learning how to manage their money effectively ... ... some stupid, that, I say. And many of the governments, deep in debt, can't afford to have interest rates go up. Plus ... many of them are printing money ...which means that inflation will go up. When my jacket shrinks enough through repeated washings ... it gets darn hard to breathe! ole joyful
...See More
where to put ira money from cd
Q
Comments (10)
Just a couple of things to consider--with your IRA, don't you have to start withdrawing at a certain age? If so, what happens if that money is tied up in a CD? Do the penalties apply? As to POD. That may or may not help your heirs. When my mom died, yes--we 'kids' just took the CD's to the bank, with the death certificate, signed off that we were direct heirs, and walked out with the $$$ (well, a check for the others, and I just deposited mine, since I banked at the same establishment). HOWEVER , when my aunt died, those POD's meant nothing--because of it not being a direct descendant, they became part of the TAXABLE estate. Also, the annuity she had, that she left me?--both my accountant and the annuity company said it was NOT part of the estate. Guess what? The STATE would NOT release the estate funds until I paid the tax on the entire $40,000+ that I'm getting (in $100/month installments, mind you)!!! I won't live long enough to get the entire thing, so that means my heirs, may end up paying tax on top of tax! Look, we're mostly amateurs here. And mostly probably don't live in your jurisdiction. Best advice anyone can give you is to sit down with your accountant and follow his/her advice--after double checking that they're right with whatever govt entities might be involved down the road. Laws and practices vary greatly from state to state--you really need to know what applies where you live. Good luck.
...See More
Those With Single Bowl Sinks - Where Do You Put Your Dishcloth?
Q
Comments (31)
OK - am I the only one that doesn't use a dish cloth? I use a towel to dry that hangs on the lower cabinet. But I use a handled sponge that's filled with the dish soap. I hate using sponges and cloths for some reason. Maybe that's just me. I like to use a handle. But I got these nice stainless slim baskets with suction cups that attach to the sides of the sink. I have two round ones for my two dish brushes (the bristled and the sponge one) and a flat one for the other miscellaneous stuff. The all stick to the front left portion of the sink so they're out of the way.
...See More
mike_home
8 years ago
For the exterior wall R19 or R21 is fine. The return on investment on spray foam would be very long in my opinion.

I like batt insulation in the attic but that is my preference. If you have an uneven attic floor then blown in will work better to get into small spaces. A minimum of R30 should be used.

It is cheaper to heat with natural gas than geothermal in most parts of the country. Cooling will be cheaper but the amount will vary depending on the efficiency of the AC condenser.

Find out the utility company that will service the house. They will provide the current rates.
rmtdoug
8 years ago
If you are building new, I highly recommend studying the different methods of wall framing and construction as they relate to insulation. There is far more to this subject than just putting insulation into the walls. Building Science.com is a great resource for this kind of research. Here is a link to a research paper they did in 2010 on 17 different wall assemblies and their insulating properties: Here

As you will discover, straight foam is not always the most effective and how the wall is framed makes a big difference.

As for my personal experience remodeling a 100 year old house and using DIY polyISO foam in the walls, I'm only half done, having completed the attic and upstairs, but last winter I cut an adjusted 36% off my heating bill from the prior two winters. My goal when completed is 50% savings. That will pay for the cost of the insulation in about four years.

Related Stories

THE HARDWORKING HOME Where to Put the Laundry Room

By Mitchell Parker

The Hardworking Home: We weigh the pros and cons of washing your clothes in the basement, kitchen, bathroom and more

Full Story

406

KITCHEN DESIGN Where Should You Put the Kitchen Sink?

By Jennifer Ott Design

Facing a window or your guests? In a corner or near the dishwasher? Here’s how to find the right location for your sink

Full Story

136

SMALL SPACES Downsizing Help: Where to Put Your Overnight Guests

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Lack of space needn’t mean lack of visitors, thanks to sleep sofas, trundle beds and imaginative sleeping options

Full Story

BATHROOM DESIGN Bath Remodeling: So, Where to Put the Toilet?

By By Any Design Ltd.

There's a lot to consider: paneling, baseboards, shower door. Before you install the toilet, get situated with these tips

Full Story

REMODELING GUIDES Where to Splurge, Where to Save in Your Remodel

By Laura Gaskill

Learn how to balance your budget and set priorities to get the home features you want with the least compromise

Full Story

GREEN BUILDING Insulation Basics: Designing for Temperature Extremes in Any Season

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

Stay comfy during unpredictable weather — and prevent unexpected bills — by efficiently insulating and shading your home

Full Story

GREEN BUILDING Insulation Basics: Heat, R-Value and the Building Envelope

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

Learn how heat moves through a home and the materials that can stop it, to make sure your insulation is as effective as you think

Full Story

140

REMODELING GUIDES Cool Your House (and Costs) With the Right Insulation

By Buckminster Green LLC

Insulation offers one of the best paybacks on your investment in your house. Here are some types to discuss with your contractor

Full Story

WINDOW TREATMENTS Easy Green: 9 Low-Cost Ways to Insulate Windows and Doors

By Laura Gaskill

Block drafts to boost both warmth and energy savings with these inexpensive but effective insulating strategies

Full Story

MATERIALS Insulation Basics: What to Know About Spray Foam

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

Learn what exactly spray foam is, the pros and cons of using it and why you shouldn’t mess around with installation

Full Story

280

Insulation: Where you putting your money?

Comments (4)

mike_home

Becca Niebrugge
Original Author

Related Discussions

mike_home

rmtdoug

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Insulation: Where you putting your money?

Comments (4)

mike_home

Becca NiebruggeOriginal Author

Related Discussions

mike_home

rmtdoug

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Becca Niebrugge
Original Author