Angie's List: Insulation that's worth it

The cooler weather we've seen in recent days has some of us thinking of those winter heating bills.

So you may be thinking of adding some insulation to your home. But which type is most cost effective, and gives the best return on your investment?

Simplest thing to cut heating bill

With winter approaching, many homeowners are looking for ways to keep those keep those heating bills down.

The simplest thing is to add fiberglass insulation.

And the best place to add it, according to the US Department of Energy, is to your attic, where you get the most bang for your buck.

Contractor Robert Tranum said "the best way to tell in an attic is if you can see the beams in your attic, you are under insulated. You want to make sure you have a good 6 to 8 inches of cellulose above your wood beams."

Attic insulation results in immediate results, according the the Energy Department.

It costs between $300, if you DIY with insulation from Lowe's or Home Depot, and $1800 if a pro does it, according to the DOE, which says it can pay for itself in 3 to 5 years.

Attic insulation is also cheaper blowing in wall insulation or buying a new furnace.

Caution before you start

But our partners at the consumer guide Angie's List warn that insulating your attic is not an easy DIY job.

Angie Hicks said "adding insulation to your attic may seem like a simple do it yourself project. But you can get in over your head. It can be a hot and messy project and even dangerous. We have stories of people falling through ceilings, falling off ladders."

Angie says look over your attic, and see how easy it is to walk in there, before committing to a DIY job.

Other improvements include new windows and doors, especially patio doors. Those will also cut your heating bill, though the initial investment is higher.

Budget tight? Then grab a 5 dollar tube of caulk and fill those drafty cracks, and that way you don't waste your money.
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