How Blown-In Insulation Affects Energy Bills
When I moved into my older home, winters inside my house felt like living in a refrigerator. My heater ran almost day and night, and I was still draped in blankets, and my energy bills were through the roof. I did everything: caulking the windows, installing door sweeps, even running a space heater. Nothing worked. A neighbor brought up blown-in insulation, and I went on a pursuit of the heartier variety.
To be honest, I assumed insulation was something builders take care of, not something homeowners need to concern themselves with. But when I discovered how blown-in insulation affects energy bills, I knew I’d been throwing money away on a monthly basis. Whether you have cold winters, scorching hot summers, or a drafty house, for that matter, this one upgrade can make a world of difference, not just in how your house feels, but in how much you spend on energy.
In this article, I’ll guide you through what blown-in insulation is, how it works, and why it’s one of the smartest choices I’ve made for my own home. Let’s dive in.
How Blown-In Insulation Affects Energy Bills in Real Life
First, what blown-in insulation actually does. Imagine it as a cozy blanket nestled in every nook of your attic or walls. This kind of insulation is most often composed of cellulose, fibreglass, or even mineral wool, and it fills gaps much better than the traditional batts. It functions in the same way as air trapped in tiny pockets that slow the escape of heat in winter and keep your chilled air inside when it’s hot out.
Here’s what the U.S. Department of Energy says:
- Proper insulation can save 15% on heating and cooling costs.
- Blown-in insulation in the attic can reduce total energy use by 11% on average.
- Home without insulation wastes up to 25% of heat through the attic.
Blown-in insulation, in particular, can be highly effective in older homes, which tend to have many cracks, leaks, and spaces in their walls and ceilings. If you have inconsistent room temperatures or your cooling and heating system never seems to quit, you’re probably overpaying for subpar insulation.
Also Explore: How to Choose the Right R-Value for a Basement
How Blown-In Insulation Cuts Heating & Cooling Costs
So let’s now take a closer look at how blown-in insulation works on real-life energy bills. I had my attic blown in with cellulose one month ago because I showed a 22% reduction in my heating bill. Sounds dramatic? Here’s why it works so well:
- Fills all the gaps: It forms to fit around pipes, wires and such that batts can’t touch.
- Better R-Value per inch: Cellulose typically gives an R-Value of R-3.5 per inch, for higher thermal resistance.
- Moisture-resistant choices: Some varieties are impervious to mold and pests, meaning insulation will remain effective for a longer period of time.
Another bonus? On a hot summer day, it doesn’t take as much to get my AC cooled off. Now the upstairs bedroom, which used to be an oven, feels completely comfortable. That’s because blown-in insulation does not just retain heat, it also retains it out.
To put it simply:
- Your furnace or AC runs less
- Your indoor temperature stays stable
- Your monthly energy bills shrink
Also Explore: Importance of Insulation R Values: Why It Matters for Your Home
Why Attic Insulation Has the Biggest Impact on Energy Bills
Let’s talk about the attic. Most of the heat in your home escapes through the roof. Imagine your home is like a chimney hot air rises. Without proper attic insulation, that heat literally vanishes through your ceiling, forcing your heater to work overtime.
Experts recommend R60 for attic insulation in cold climates, which can easily be achieved with blown-in insulation. According to Natural Resources Canada, upgrading attic insulation alone can reduce energy loss by 25%.
Here are some key attic facts:
- Hot air rises and makes its way out through an uninsulated attic.
- Blown-in insulation closes gaps in corners and between joists.
- A well-insulated attic can slice your winter bill by as much as $600 per year, depending on your house size.
When I got my attic done, the installer showed me a thermal scan of the before and after. The difference was shocking. Areas that used to glow red (heat loss) turned deep blue (heat retained) just from adding blown-in insulation.
What to Expect in Energy Savings After Installation
So now the big question: how much can you save? While results vary depending on the size of your home, local climate, and how bad your insulation was before, here are some general numbers:
Average savings after blown-in insulation:
- Attic insulation: $300–$600 per year
- Wall insulation: $200–$500 per year
- Full home blown-in upgrade: Up to 25–35% off total energy bills
It’s not just about money either. With insulation, your home feels more comfortable. No more hot-and-cold spots, less noise from outside, and fewer drafts creeping in under doors.
If you’re thinking about resale value, here’s another perk: a home energy-efficient upgrade like insulation gives you up to 107% ROI, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report.
Conclusion: The Smart Move for Your Wallet and Comfort
So, you’re probably wondering: how blown-in insulation affects energy bills is clear? It turns out, it’s one of the most efficient and cost-effective home improvements that you can invest in. It helps to keep your heating and cooling where they should be, saves you money every year, and makes your house feel like home instead of an icebox or a furnace.
Whether you own an old drafty house or would like to make your home more eco-friendly, blown-in insulation is a tiny investment with a large impact. And if you’re in the Greater Toronto Area, our team at SPF Solutions would be happy to help you assess your insulation needs and reduce those pesky bills for good.