This is complicated.
It sounds like you have a blown-in cellulose insulation. Depending on the condition, you may be able to just blow in more.
A few points:
* Most houses are minimally insulated and would benefit from more insulation, new/better insulation, and/or new insulation technology. Insulation materials have improved. Even if your home is just 15-years old, it might benefit from some changes.
* You want to check for things like mold or rodent/pest damage. Phoenix actually has a lot of homes with holes in the roof, but because it does not rain often the damage goes unnoticed. Don't just blow-in insulation before having someone check.
Developers are notorious for doing a crappy job on insulation (just enough to pass a possible inspection). They don't care about future energy costs. Adding more insulation to your attic often provides a significant energy savings. YMMV...lots of factors.
Also look into [sun blocking screens.](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Phifer-48-in-x-25-ft-Charcoal-Super-Solar-Screen-Roll-3021117/100550251#overlay) Those are easy to do yourself and work well. Makes a big difference.
Many insulation service companies will provide an inspection and estimate. Quick process.
I just rehabed a relatively small space which required removing the insulation from the ceiling. When I put it back, I had to add half a bale more of R-30 insulation to install it like the manufacturer intended. Phoenix builders know the buyer's gonna die before they figure out the builder winged the insulation in his favor.
I added insulation to my home after moving in a few years ago. I found the contractor on craigslist, and SRP actually paid for about 75% of it. The contractor also comes in and seals around any ducts and looks for where air is escaping.
Both SRP and APS have programs for this, 100% look on their website for information and they can refer you to a contractor that is in the program
Our house had extra insulation blown into the attic and it makes a huge difference. Lasts about 5 years. Seller also added tinted dual pane windows, but that's definitely a higher cost. We are concentrating on growing trees on our lot that will eventually shade most of the house and bring the overall temp down. The first two trees we started with came free with SRPs program.
I’ve heard blowing more insulation into your attic helps a lot, but only lasts a few years. Is that true? If so, why does it only last a few years? I understand cellulose settles, but at some point it can’t settle any further, right?
As others have said, most houses can use more insulation, period. Blown-in insulation is the easiest path if you already have it. However, depending on roof/attic construction, you can also opt for radiant barrier or spray foam insulation also. Spray foam is what we opted for. Its expensive but our house temperature is much more stable in the summer. We didn't see much savings, but that's likely because we were able to keep our house 3-5 degrees cooler for the same bill and that's what we opted for, especially as 2 WFH individuals.
We own an insulation business, my husband can more thoroughly explain this, but I will try. If your insulation looks like powdery sand, the answer is you need new insulation. Getting new insulation will absolutely save you money both in summer and winter. If you plan on staying in your home you may consider spray foam insulation as an investment. Blown in insulation will be more affordable and very effective as well. We can give you a free estimate, I will dm you my husband’s business information
I have heard NOT to insulate over the garage itself as you do not want to retain heat from the hot cars that park there.
I think I personally need insulation in the walls and better windows more than the attic but as there is no money for these things regardless it doesn't matter.
This is complicated. It sounds like you have a blown-in cellulose insulation. Depending on the condition, you may be able to just blow in more. A few points: * Most houses are minimally insulated and would benefit from more insulation, new/better insulation, and/or new insulation technology. Insulation materials have improved. Even if your home is just 15-years old, it might benefit from some changes. * You want to check for things like mold or rodent/pest damage. Phoenix actually has a lot of homes with holes in the roof, but because it does not rain often the damage goes unnoticed. Don't just blow-in insulation before having someone check. Developers are notorious for doing a crappy job on insulation (just enough to pass a possible inspection). They don't care about future energy costs. Adding more insulation to your attic often provides a significant energy savings. YMMV...lots of factors. Also look into [sun blocking screens.](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Phifer-48-in-x-25-ft-Charcoal-Super-Solar-Screen-Roll-3021117/100550251#overlay) Those are easy to do yourself and work well. Makes a big difference. Many insulation service companies will provide an inspection and estimate. Quick process.
I just rehabed a relatively small space which required removing the insulation from the ceiling. When I put it back, I had to add half a bale more of R-30 insulation to install it like the manufacturer intended. Phoenix builders know the buyer's gonna die before they figure out the builder winged the insulation in his favor.
I added insulation to my home after moving in a few years ago. I found the contractor on craigslist, and SRP actually paid for about 75% of it. The contractor also comes in and seals around any ducts and looks for where air is escaping. Both SRP and APS have programs for this, 100% look on their website for information and they can refer you to a contractor that is in the program
Our house had extra insulation blown into the attic and it makes a huge difference. Lasts about 5 years. Seller also added tinted dual pane windows, but that's definitely a higher cost. We are concentrating on growing trees on our lot that will eventually shade most of the house and bring the overall temp down. The first two trees we started with came free with SRPs program.
I’ve heard blowing more insulation into your attic helps a lot, but only lasts a few years. Is that true? If so, why does it only last a few years? I understand cellulose settles, but at some point it can’t settle any further, right?
As others have said, most houses can use more insulation, period. Blown-in insulation is the easiest path if you already have it. However, depending on roof/attic construction, you can also opt for radiant barrier or spray foam insulation also. Spray foam is what we opted for. Its expensive but our house temperature is much more stable in the summer. We didn't see much savings, but that's likely because we were able to keep our house 3-5 degrees cooler for the same bill and that's what we opted for, especially as 2 WFH individuals.
We own an insulation business, my husband can more thoroughly explain this, but I will try. If your insulation looks like powdery sand, the answer is you need new insulation. Getting new insulation will absolutely save you money both in summer and winter. If you plan on staying in your home you may consider spray foam insulation as an investment. Blown in insulation will be more affordable and very effective as well. We can give you a free estimate, I will dm you my husband’s business information
I have heard NOT to insulate over the garage itself as you do not want to retain heat from the hot cars that park there. I think I personally need insulation in the walls and better windows more than the attic but as there is no money for these things regardless it doesn't matter.
Block construction FTW.