I would like to add more insulation in my attic, and add a floor to the space for some light storage at the same timeThe problem is the joists are only 6quot; deep and already filled with fiberglassI would like to add another 6quot; of fiberglass on top of it (Maine winters), but I don't know how I would be able to lay the plywood floor down afterward Am I better off just replacing the 6 inches of 30 year-old insulation with 6 inches of new stuff, or should I raise the floor height with additional 2x6's and go with the full 12 inches of insulation?
Well, for starters it's really good to have a programable thermostat that you can set for home/away tempsThat way when you are home you can set it to 64 degrees and when you are away to 60That will really reduce your gas billAlso, check your attic and see that the insulation is in good repair and replace if it's NOTHome Depot/Lowe's can probably help you in that deptChange all your lightbulbs to CFL's that will save you approx$60 a yrper bulbTurn your water heater down to around 120 degrees and wrap an insulator blanket around the water tank so it's not turning on so much to heat the waterAlso, on that same veinif you have dishwasher run it when it's full and only when it's full at night on time delayTo use water that's being heated when no one is using it ! Also another tip is to only one major appliance at a timeRun the washer and then the dryer but, not both at the same timeWash all/most loads on cold/cold !This alone will reduce your electric bill in 1/2 ! I've been doing this for over a year and have seen a significant savings just making minor adjustments to my energy useAlso, unplugging small appliances like coffee maker, mixers etc that aren't in use on a daily basic or cell phone chargers, computers etcThat vampire power when they are plugged in but, not in useAlso, this is a no brainerDress warmer inside and turn the heat down to the 63-64 markWhen you are asleep the sameI rarely have my heat to 70 degrees and that helps as wellUse weather caulking to seal openings in doors/windows and also using drapes with a thermo backing to keep the heat inside will help during the winter monthsKeeping the shades drawn keeps the heat inside as oppossed to out the window ! Good luck.
The purpose for additional insulation is adding an increase in r-factorYou have a few options: 1) You can add insulation board (pink board and such) over the existing 2x6 rafters and then add a plywood deck on itAdvantages are ease of application and if you lay them down 3 or 4 thick you would be able to use 1/2 plywood for storageIt will work2) You can have professionals come out and use spray in insulation in your attic (after the fluff insulation is completely removed) Advantage much higher increase in r-factor and makes a complete seal3) Designate exactly how much storage space you are going to use (surely not the whole attic) and treat only the storage area special either by adding lumber (I recommend 2x8's for your situation as 2x12's would probably make it a crawl space type of thingFor cost effectiveness I would do the fluff through the entire attic, the n come back to the area for storage and level that section, then do the foam board insulation with decking on itMost importantly DO NOT COMPRESS THE INSULATION EVERDo a little research here, as there are several different foam boards on the market currently and they have variances in their r valuesThat oughta helpNow getter done!
you should check your windows and doors.light a candle and move the candle around each window.sit still.if the flame flickers its not insulated very well.you lose alot of heat in your windows and doors
Heavy curtains are good for the windowsHave you got a handy man/ woman friend that may beable to help youYou could do some bartering deals for example he / she can insulate your ceilings and put some new seals around your windows while you make some new curtains for the handy person etc
Start with the attic first, as heat rises and you don't want it rising right out of your houseMake sure attic has proper ventilation, no blocked soffits, and that insulation is sufficientMany people don't realize how important it is for air to circulate in the attic, but creating condensation (caused by a lack of air and a contrast in temperatures from inside to outside) is the last thing you wantSecond, check all outlets and light switches in your home that are on exterior wallsMany of these could have air leaksYou can buy inexpensive insulation kits made specifically for this purposeIf you have any windows that seem to create cold zones, you can either apply the clear plastic that goes on with hot air from a blow-dryer, or you can buy warm curtainsIt is incredible how much cool air a well-lined curtain can keep out - plus they also keep out the heat from the sun in the summer, so they are a good investmentCheck weather-stripping around all doors, and replace or repair it if neededThis is an easy job and can really make a differenceAlso, make sure that ducts (from dryer, range hood, etc) are not letting cold air inIf you open your dryer door and it is considerably cooler than room temperature, you can replace the exterior cover with one that has a flapper that lets air out but prevents wind (and animals) from enteringGood luck!
