Insulation and weatherization

Insulation and energy efficiency

Insulation material, when properly used, can make your home more comfortable and energy efficient—greatly reducing heating and cooling bills throughout the year.

On average, you can save 15% or more on your home’s heating and cooling costs by adding insulation to attics, floors, crawl spaces, and accessible basement rim joists that connect to your foundation and by reducing unwanted air leaks around your house.

Insulation comes in many different forms including blankets, loose fill, spray foam, and more. Choosing the right insulation depends on your climate and the space to fill.

Insulation is important because it reduces the amount of heat that flows between the inside and outside of your home. Insulation material's effectiveness in reducing heat flow is called R-value. The greater the R-value, the more heat flow is reduced.

Insulation costs depend on R-value and type of material. Check with a local supplier and/or contractor for actual costs.

Learn more

For low-cost solutions, check out our insulation how-to videos or explore the Minnesota Department of Commerce's Home Energy Guide.