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Question:

How to insulate attic and walls of house?

OK, never done this, I'm trying to cut down on our huuge heating billThis house we're in is older, and not built very wellSo, were' trying to insulate as much as possibleThe attic has insulation but it's really old, and the inspector said it was rated to some number that wasn't nearly enoughSo when I get new insulation, should I get the fiberglass rolls, then just roll it right over top of the old stuff? OR, should I rip the old stuff out??And whats the best way to insulate the walls? Can I do this by shooting some of that loose stuff down the walls from the attic? Thanks, I'm totally clueless.

Answer:

Al is a metal, 13 protons and 13 electrons, 14 neutrons.
Heat rises, so your first improvement is to insulate the attic Unless your existing attic insulation is wet or significantly compacted (then you should remove it), just lay new fiberglass over the existing layer - you will increase the total R value of your insulation For example, if you have 6 of FG in the attic (R value 16), adding another 8 of FG (R value 30) will nearly triple the total insulating valueRun the new rolls at right angles to the existing layer of insulation to close off any spots that might leak Be sure that you do not insulate over recessed ceiling light 'cans' - unless you know for sure that they are designed for zero clearance to insulationTypical cans need space for air to circulateContact your electric utility for an energy auditThey can suggest low-cost ideas to cut your heat losses, and they can analyze your home for the most cost-effective insulating projects - double-paned low-e windows, blown-in wall insulation, replacing a low-efficiency furnace, caulking, weatherstripping, etcAnd they might offer rebates and/or low interest loansGood luck.

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