Will Blown‑In Insulation Really Lower My Energy Bills?

info593081
Sep 25
4 min read

Short answer: Yes. But like with any home upgrade, the savings depend on how well the insulation is installed, how leaky your home is already, and how extreme your local climate is. In Memphis, adding blown‑in insulation often yields 15–25% savings on heating and cooling costs, and sometimes even more when paired with air sealing.

Let’s dig into why blown‑in insulation saves you money, how those savings play out in different seasons, and what factors determine how much you’ll save.

How Insulation Impacts Energy Use

To understand why blown‑in insulation helps, it’s useful to know how heat moves:

In winter, heat inside your home naturally wants to escape upward. Without proper insulation, your furnace works harder to replace what you lose.
In summer, the attic can become extremely hot (often 120–140°F or more). That heat seeps down through your ceiling, making your air conditioner run more to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.

Insulation resists that heat flow. Better insulation slows down both heat loss (winter) and heat gain (summer). This means your HVAC system runs less, uses less electricity, and saves you money.

When you combine insulation with air sealing (closing gaps, sealing ducts, etc.), many authorities estimate savings of around 15% on heating and cooling bills. The EPA’s ENERGY STAR program reports that adding insulation and sealing leaks can cut those costs by approximately that amount. ENERGY STAR

In real-world applications, improvements in insulation frequently deliver 10–20% or higher reductions in utility bills—especially in regions like Memphis where cooling dominates many months of the year.

Key Factors That Influence Your Savings

1. Existing Insulation & Home Condition

If your attic currently has little or no insulation—or the insulation is badly compressed, damaged, or moldy—the gains will be largest. Homes already insulated well will see more modest incremental improvements.

2. Air Leakage & Sealing

Insulation is more effective when combined with air sealing. Gaps around attic hatches, wiring, duct penetrations, and ceiling fixtures allow conditioned air to escape. Blown‑in insulation helps fill voids, but sealing these leaks ensures that insulation works closer to its rated performance.

3. Desired R‑Value & Climate Needs

To get the best performance in Memphis, attics should aim for R‑38 to R‑60. The deeper the insulation (within reason), the more resistance to heat flow.

4. Quality of Installation

A poorly installed blanket over wiring or with voids will not perform well. Proper blowing, consistent density, and full coverage matter. That’s why hiring a skilled installer — like Restoration Insulation — makes a difference in how much savings you actually realize.

5. Usage Patterns & HVAC Efficiency

How often you run your AC or heat, thermostat settings, duct integrity, and HVAC efficiency all influence the net savings. Insulation doesn’t replace old or inefficient air conditioners, but it reduces how hard they have to work.

Seasonal Savings: Summer & Winter Benefits

Summer (Cooling Season)

Because Memphis summers are long and hot, the biggest benefits of added insulation typically come in air conditioning savings:

A well-insulated attic can reduce heat gain from above, lowering the “thermal load” on your home.
The attic may stay 30–50°F cooler than without insulation, reducing the amount of cooling needed in lower rooms.
As a result, your AC runs less, uses less energy, and lasts longer.

Winter (Heating Season)

While winter in Memphis is milder, you still benefit:

Insulation reduces heat loss upward, so your heating system doesn’t work overtime.
You maintain more stable indoor temperatures without cold spots near ceilings.
The system cycles more efficiently, reducing runtime and wear.

Across a full year, the combined effect often delivers double-digit percentage savings on total energy costs.

Why Blown‑In Insulation Helps More Than Batt or Rigid Options

Complete Coverage & Gap PenetrationBlown-in material settles into irregular spaces, around wiring or pipes, and fills gaps that batt or rigid boards often miss.
Layering AdvantageYou can augment existing insulation efficiently—blowing new material over old insulating layers to boost R-value.
Rapid InstallationThe process is quicker and less disruptive compared to tearing out old materials and installing rigid systems.
Better Settling ControlWhen installed properly, blown-in insulation maintains density and resists settling that would reduce performance over time.

How Restoration Insulation Helps You Save

At Restoration Insulation, we specialize in fiberglass blown‑in insulation—a high-performance, durable option that fits the Memphis climate well.

What We Offer

Free Attic Evaluation & EstimateWe assess your current insulation, air leaks, attic conditions, and determine the right R-value target for performance and cost.
Professional Air Sealing & PrepBefore installing, we seal major leaks and ensure ventilation balance so the insulation can perform optimally.
Expert Blown‑In InstallationWe use top-tier equipment and techniques to distribute insulation evenly and at proper density, covering all attic surfaces thoroughly.
Quality Assurance & Follow-UpAfter installation, we inspect the coverage and provide guidance for maintenance or inspection. Our work is built for longevity.
Transparent Pricing & Benefits ExplanationWe show projected savings, energy models, and clear breakdown of cost vs. benefit—so you know you’re making a smart investment.

Because we use fiberglass, our installations offer longevity, moisture resilience, and safety in the humid Memphis climate.

Realistic Savings Expectations

While every home is different, here’s a general idea of what the upgrade may deliver:

Typical range: 10–25% reduction in heating and cooling bills
Best-case scenarios: In leaky or poorly insulated homes, savings can approach or exceed 30%
Payback time: Many Memphis homes recoup the investment in 3–7 years, depending on energy prices, usage patterns, and insulation cost.

Work With Restoration insulation

Yes—blown-in insulation absolutely can lower your energy bills. It does this by reducing heat gain in summer, slowing heat loss in winter, and helping your HVAC system run more efficiently. For homeowners in Memphis, where cooling is a major cost driver, an upgrade can translate to significant monthly savings, improved comfort, and longer equipment life.

With Restoration Insulation handling the design and installation, you get a high-impact upgrade done right—so you reap the full savings potential. Want to see what your savings might look like? Contact us today for a free energy estimate and see how blown-in insulation can transform your home.