Insulation helps control how much heat is absorbed in summer in your home, and how much is lost during winter. Many homes built before the 1970s have little or no insulation. Insulation is made from various materials and is rated in terms of a R-Value which measures the insulation’s resistance to heat transfer. A higher value is better. R-30 is about 7 inches thick, R-19 is about 6 inches thick.

The attic should be insulated to R-30, R-19 on exterior walls and lower floors, ducts and connectors to R-6. A priority is the attic, just adding insulation there will save you money on your energy bills and make your home more comfortable. Check your attic for presence of insulation and thickness level. You can remove an outlet box in the wall to see if there is any insulation.

Most insulation was made with carcinogenic formaldehyde in the past. Here is some green insulation for your home improvement projects. The primary raw material use in  Bonded Logic’s UltraTouch denim insulation is post-industrial recycled denim. This is all the scrap and waste material from the manufacturing process of blue jeans and other cotton based textiles.  It is treated with a non-toxic borate solution so it is mold resistant.

Installation may also qualify for the Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency.

Their ultra touch R-13 denim insulation product costs about $60 for a 16in OC stud spacing. 10 batts per bag.  It is pricier than traditional insulation but much more green.

Other alternatives include spray foam such as Icynene or recycled paper cellulose such as GreenFiber.

Johns Manville now has a line of certified Formaldehyde free fiber glass home insulation.  Major industry is listening!

More tips in Ways to Save Energy, Money on your power bill.