The most important thing to be aware of regarding insulation, other than the safety issues related to urea formaldehyde and asbestos, is the “R” value, or the insulating factor. The higher the number, the better the insulator.
Don’t be too shocked if the insulation in a15 year old home that you might be considering doesn’t have an R value close to that of a brand new home. While there is no question that you could save on heating bills by adding more insulation, sometimes it can take years to recoup the costs. So, evaluate the cost and benefits carefully.
Sometimes gas or power companies have financial assistance programs, including low interest loans or even grants available if you boost your insulation. Your home inspector should be able to provide basic information about existing insulation and any upgrade recommendations you may want to consider when purchasing your next home. Additional information at Energy.gov on insulation and energy savings is available here.
For more information to help your in your next purchase, check out our free report called “Seven Insider Tips For Home Buyers”.