Inadequate Attic Insulation

How much insulation is in your attic. According to the Department of Energy an attic in the Phoenix area should have an R-value of R-49. Most local building codes nowadays require minimum R-30. A thorough home energy audit will often reveal R-values in the lower ranges. Suppose you were to look in your attic; you might see a thin layer of blown insulation, either fiberglass or cellulose. If you can see just the tops of the 2 by 4’s, you probably have between R-10 and R-14. 16″ of blown cellulose should provide you with approximately R-49 and that can make a huge difference when it comes to saving energy.

Department of Energy Climate Zone Map

Diagram of recommened insulation base on climate zone.

The bottom line is this: Get your home inspected by a certified home energy auditor, and if your attic insulation is inadequate, hire a licensed contractor to get your insulation within the Department of Energy guidelines. Your home energy auditor or insulation contractor may also be able to provide you with valuable information on utility company rebates and tax credits.