Insulation contractors - get free quotes

Your home’s insulation is the barrier between comfortable indoor living and the weather outside. Whether you need to add insulation to a drafty attic, upgrade aging wall insulation, or seal a crawl space, finding the right contractor makes all the difference.

We connect homeowners with insulation professionals in their area. Get free, no-obligation quotes and compare prices before you hire.

Why insulation matters

Heating and cooling account for roughly 50% to 70% of the energy used in the average American home. Inadequate insulation forces your HVAC system to work harder, driving up utility bills and wearing down equipment faster.

Proper insulation does more than save money. It keeps every room in your home at a consistent temperature, reduces outside noise, and helps prevent moisture problems that can lead to mold growth. For many homeowners, an insulation upgrade is one of the highest-return improvements they can make.

The Department of Energy estimates that adding insulation to attics, floors, and crawl spaces can reduce heating and cooling costs by 15% to 30%. That translates to hundreds of dollars in annual savings for most households.

Types of insulation

Not all insulation is the same. Each type has strengths that make it better suited for certain applications. Here is a breakdown of the most common options.

Blown-in insulation

Blown-in insulation uses loose fiberglass or cellulose fibers that are machine-blown into attics, walls, and other cavities. It is the most popular choice for attic insulation because it fills gaps and settles around obstructions like wiring and pipes.

Blown-in cellulose offers R-3.2 to R-3.8 per inch and is made from recycled paper products. Blown-in fiberglass provides R-2.2 to R-2.7 per inch and resists moisture better than cellulose. Both options are cost-effective and can be installed in a single day for most attic projects.

Spray foam insulation

Spray foam comes in two types: open-cell and closed-cell. Both expand on contact to fill cracks, gaps, and cavities, creating a continuous air barrier.

Closed-cell spray foam delivers the highest R-value of any common insulation material at R-6.0 to R-7.0 per inch. It also acts as a vapor barrier and adds structural rigidity. Open-cell spray foam provides R-3.5 to R-3.7 per inch and is better for sound dampening and interior wall applications.

Spray foam costs more than other options but performs better in tight spaces, rim joists, and crawl spaces where air sealing is critical.

Fiberglass batt insulation

Fiberglass batts are pre-cut panels that fit between standard wall studs and ceiling joists. They are the most widely used insulation in new construction because they are affordable and easy to install.

Batts provide R-2.2 to R-2.7 per inch, depending on density. They work best in open cavities where they can be installed without compression. Compressed fiberglass loses much of its insulating value, so proper installation matters.

Rigid foam board

Rigid foam panels are dense insulation boards made from polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, or polyurethane. They deliver R-3.8 to R-6.5 per inch depending on the material.

Rigid foam excels in basement walls, exterior sheathing, and foundation insulation. It resists moisture and provides continuous insulation without the thermal bridging that occurs with stud-cavity insulation alone.

Average insulation costs

Insulation pricing varies based on the material, the area being insulated, and your region. Here are national average costs to help you budget.

Labor typically accounts for 30% to 50% of the total project cost. Material prices fluctuate based on supply and demand, and costs tend to be higher in metropolitan areas with higher costs of living. For a detailed breakdown of the most popular option, see our blown-in insulation cost guide.

What affects insulation costs

Several factors influence your final price:

• Home size and layout. Larger homes require more material and labor. Multi-story homes and homes with complex rooflines cost more to insulate than single-story ranch-style homes.
• Insulation type. Spray foam is the most expensive option per square foot. Blown-in and batts are the most affordable. Your contractor can recommend the right material for each area of your home.
• Accessibility. Attics with easy access cost less to insulate than tight crawl spaces or walls that require drilling and patching. Removing old insulation before installing new material adds to the cost.
• Climate zone. Colder climates require higher R-values, which means more insulation material. A home in Minnesota needs more attic insulation than a home in Texas. See our R-value guide for recommendations by climate zone.
• Local labor rates. Contractor rates vary by region. Urban areas generally have higher labor costs than rural areas.

Insulation materials compared

How to choose an insulation contractor

Hiring the right contractor protects your investment and ensures the job is done correctly. Here is what to look for. For a deeper dive, read our complete guide to choosing an insulation contractor.

Verify licensing and insurance

Most states require insulation contractors to hold a general contractor license or a specialty trade license. Always ask to see a current license and verify it with your state’s licensing board.

Your contractor should carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. Ask for certificates of insurance and confirm they are current. This protects you from liability if a worker is injured on your property.

Look for experience with your insulation type

Spray foam installation requires specialized equipment and training. Blown-in insulation needs proper density calculations to perform correctly. Ask how many projects similar to yours the contractor has completed and request references.

Contractors who are certified by insulation manufacturers (such as Owens Corning, CertainTeed, or Icynene) have completed product-specific training and may offer extended warranties on their work.

Get multiple quotes

Comparing quotes from at least three contractors gives you a realistic picture of fair pricing in your area. Be cautious of bids that are significantly lower than the competition. Low bids can signal inexperienced crews, inferior materials, or shortcuts that compromise performance.

A detailed quote should include the insulation type and brand, R-value, square footage covered, preparation work, cleanup, and warranty terms.

Ask the right questions

Before signing a contract, ask your insulation contractor:

• How long have you been installing this type of insulation?
• Can you provide three references from recent projects?
• What warranty do you offer on labor and materials?
• Will you pull permits if required by my city or county?
• How long will the project take from start to finish?
• What is your process for handling unexpected issues like moisture damage or pest infestations?

Insulation by location

Insulation needs vary significantly by climate. Cold-weather states require higher R-values in attics and walls, while hot-climate states benefit from radiant barriers and reflective insulation in addition to traditional materials.

Select your state below to find local insulation contractors and pricing specific to your area.

Utah

Salt Lake City and the Wasatch Front experience cold winters with temperatures regularly dropping below freezing. Most of the state falls in IECC Climate Zone 5 or 6, requiring R-49 to R-60 in attics and R-20 to R-21 in walls. Proper insulation is essential for managing both harsh winters and increasingly hot summers.

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Idaho

Boise and the Treasure Valley have a continental climate with wide temperature swings, from single digits in January to over 100 degrees in July. Southern Idaho falls in Climate Zone 5, while mountain and northern areas are in Zone 6. Homes need robust insulation to handle both extremes efficiently.

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Colorado

Denver’s high altitude (5,280 feet) means intense sun exposure, dry air, and rapid temperature changes. The Front Range sits in Climate Zone 5, while mountain communities are in Zones 6 and 7. Air sealing is especially important at altitude, where lower atmospheric pressure increases air infiltration.

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Oregon

Portland and the Willamette Valley face cool, rainy winters that keep heating systems running from October through April. Western Oregon falls in Climate Zone 4C, while central and eastern Oregon are in Zone 5. Moisture management is a critical part of any insulation project in Oregon’s wet climate.

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North Carolina

Charlotte, Raleigh, and the Piedmont region deal with hot, humid summers above 90 degrees and mild but damp winters. Most of the state sits in Climate Zone 4, with mountain areas in Zone 5. Humidity makes moisture control as important as R-value when choosing insulation.

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Tennessee

Nashville and the rest of Tennessee experience sustained summer heat and humidity with temperatures regularly in the 90s. Winters are moderate but cold enough to drive up heating bills, especially in elevated East Tennessee. Most of the state falls in Climate Zone 4.

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Florida

Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville face year-round heat and humidity that make insulation a cooling priority. Air conditioning dominates energy costs, and homes without proper insulation and air sealing waste energy every month. Radiant barriers are especially effective in Florida’s intense sun.

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Arizona

Phoenix and the Valley of the Sun see summer temperatures above 110 degrees, with attic spaces reaching 150 degrees or more in under-insulated homes. Radiant barriers paired with blown-in insulation are the gold standard for desert homes. Cooling costs dominate household energy bills.

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Ohio

Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati face a demanding four-season climate. Winters bring prolonged cold stretches well below freezing, while summers push into the high 80s and 90s with significant humidity. Most of Ohio falls in Climate Zone 5, requiring R-49 to R-60 in attics.

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Types of insulation projects

Whether you need a targeted upgrade or a whole-home overhaul, here are the most common insulation projects homeowners tackle.

Attic insulation

The attic is the single most impactful area to insulate. Heat rises, and an under-insulated attic can account for up to 25% of a home’s total heat loss. Most attics use blown-in fiberglass or cellulose because it is fast to install and fills irregular spaces effectively.

An attic insulation upgrade for a typical 1,500-square-foot home costs $1,500 to $3,750, depending on the material and existing insulation levels. Read our complete attic insulation guide for help choosing the right material and contractor.

Wall insulation retrofit

Older homes often have little or no wall insulation. Retrofitting walls with blown-in insulation involves drilling small holes in the exterior or interior wall surface, filling the cavity with insulation, and patching the holes.

Wall retrofits cost more than attic insulation because of the drilling and patching required, but they make a significant difference in comfort and energy efficiency, especially in older homes built before energy codes were common. Our wall insulation retrofit guide covers methods, costs, and what to expect.

Crawl space insulation

Uninsulated crawl spaces let cold air seep into the floors above, creating uncomfortable cold spots and driving up heating costs. Crawl spaces are typically insulated with spray foam or rigid foam board, often combined with encapsulation to control moisture.

Spray foam vs fiberglass

Choosing between spray foam and fiberglass depends on your budget, the area being insulated, and your performance goals. Spray foam costs two to three times more per square foot but delivers superior air sealing and higher R-value per inch. Fiberglass is more affordable and works well in standard applications where air sealing is handled separately.

A qualified contractor can help you weigh the pros and cons of each option. Read our spray foam vs. fiberglass comparison for a detailed breakdown of costs, performance, and best applications.

Energy savings and ROI

Insulation is one of the few home improvements that pays for itself through reduced energy costs. Here is what you can realistically expect.

Typical energy savings

Homes with inadequate insulation typically see 15% to 30% reductions in heating and cooling costs after upgrading. For a household spending $2,400 per year on energy, that is $360 to $720 in annual savings.

The biggest savings come from insulating the attic, sealing air leaks, and addressing the building envelope as a whole. A comprehensive approach delivers better results than insulating just one area.

Payback period

Most insulation projects pay for themselves within two to five years. Attic insulation has the fastest payback because it is relatively inexpensive and addresses the largest source of heat loss. Spray foam projects have a longer payback period due to higher upfront costs but deliver greater long-term savings.

Tax credits and rebates

The federal Inflation Reduction Act provides a tax credit of up to 30% of insulation costs, with a maximum of $1,200 per year for energy efficiency improvements. This applies to insulation materials and installation labor.

Many states and local utilities offer additional rebates for insulation upgrades. Check with your utility provider and visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) for programs in your area.

Home value impact

Energy-efficient upgrades like insulation can increase your home’s resale value. Buyers increasingly prioritize energy performance, and homes with documented insulation upgrades often sell faster and at higher prices than comparable homes without them.

When to insulate

Several situations call for an insulation upgrade:

• High energy bills. If your heating or cooling costs are higher than your neighbors’ with similar-sized homes, inadequate insulation is a likely culprit.
• Uneven temperatures. Rooms that are noticeably hotter or colder than the rest of the house often point to insulation gaps.
• Ice dams. Icicles and ice dams along your roofline in winter indicate that heat is escaping through your attic.
• Drafts. Cold air leaking around windows, doors, outlets, and baseboards suggests that your building envelope needs attention.
• Home is more than 15 years old. Building energy codes have improved significantly over the past two decades. Older homes often have insulation that falls short of current standards.
• New addition or renovation. Any time walls or ceilings are opened during a remodel, it is an opportunity to upgrade insulation at minimal additional cost.

Get free insulation quotes

Ready to upgrade your home’s insulation? Get free, no-obligation quotes from insulation contractors in your area. Compare prices, ask questions, and choose the best fit for your project.