Hi everyone,

I’m in the process of renovating my home and one of the main things I want to focus on is improving the insulation. My house has an older heating system, and it’s costing me a lot in energy bills. I’ve done some basic research, but there are so many different types of insulation materials out there, I’m not sure which one would be best for me.

Here are a few details about my home:

It’s a 2-story, 1500 sq. ft. house built in the 1980s.
It has a combination of drywall and brick walls, and the attic is currently under-insulated.
I live in a region that experiences both hot summers and cold winters.
I’ve looked into fiberglass batt insulation, spray foam, and cellulose. Does anyone have experience with these types? What would you recommend for a home like mine, especially considering energy efficiency, cost, and ease of installation?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Post 2: “Insulating an Old House: What Are the Best Practices?”
Hello, fellow DIYers,

I’ve just purchased an old house built in the 1920s, and after living in it for a few months, I’ve noticed that the insulation is practically non-existent in many areas. The temperature fluctuates a lot, and I’ve been running the heat constantly in the winter, which isn’t ideal both for comfort and energy bills.

I’m planning to insulate the house in stages, but I need some advice on the best approach for an older home. I’ve heard there are different challenges with insulating older buildings, like preventing moisture buildup and dealing with less-than-ideal wall cavities.

Some specific questions I have:

Should I focus on the attic or the exterior walls first?
Is spray foam a good choice for older walls, or would something like blown-in cellulose work better?
Are there any risks of damaging the original structure with modern insulation techniques?
I’m all about preserving the charm of the house, but also want to make it more energy-efficient. Any insights or tips would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks so much!