Cost $25,000Adds $15,000
Your estimate
Cost
$2,400
Adds at resale
$2,400
Recouped
100%
National planning figure: $2,400 cost, 100% recouped. Ranked #5 of 27 projects by ROI.
Air-sealing the attic floor and topping up to around R-49 of blown fiberglass is inexpensive and cuts heating and cooling bills. It has historically ranked at or near the top of cost-versus-value lists.
Why it scores where it does
- Very low cost.
- Energy savings while you live there.
- Home energy audits and efficiency ratings increasingly appear in listings.
Get the most from it
- Air-seal before insulating; gaps around lights and pipes leak more than thin insulation.
- Check for federal tax credits and utility rebates.
- Keep soffit vents clear with baffles.
Attic insulation (fiberglass) ROI by region
| Region | Cost | Value added | % recouped | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific | $2,880 | $3,072 | 107% | |
| Mountain | $2,400 | $2,544 | 106% | |
| South Atlantic | $2,280 | $2,304 | 101% | |
| New England | $2,688 | $2,640 | 98% | |
| West South Central | $2,208 | $2,088 | 95% | |
| East South Central | $2,160 | $2,016 | 93% | |
| Middle Atlantic | $2,640 | $2,448 | 93% | |
| West North Central | $2,352 | $2,112 | 90% | |
| East North Central | $2,376 | $2,064 | 87% |
Frequently asked questions
Does insulation add value to a home?
It adds modest value at sale and meaningful savings on energy bills while you own the home, which is why its overall return is so strong.
How much insulation does an attic need?
ENERGY STAR recommends roughly R-38 to R-60 in attics for most US climate zones.
Related projects
Cost $18,000Adds $12,240