When you decide to insulate your attic, you’ll need to hire an insulation contractor or HVAC company that specializes in insulation. Here are the qualifications to look for when hiring a pro:

• Licensing requirements: Find out what licensure your state requires insulation installers to have. For example, installing spray foam usually requires training from the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA).

• Training and certifications: Look for a contractor that holds additional certifications from a reputable organization like the Building Performance Institute (BPI) or Home Performance with ENERGY STAR (HPwES)

• Compare products: Different types of insulation offer different R-values (heat resistance), so confirm the contractor offers the right type for your attic.

• Get several quotes: Contact at least three local contractors to get a quote for your attic. Choose a pro who offers a fair, competitive price. 

• Ask about warranties: A warranty can give you peace of mind when it comes to future repairs and upgrades. Just be sure you read the fine print and understand the conditions. 

• Read customer reviews: Choose a pro who has mostly positive reviews and look out for red flags (such as poor communication, overcharging, delays in the project timeline, bad attitude, etc.). 

For more tips, visit our Smart Hiring guide.

The national average cost to insulate an attic ranges from approximately $1,200 to $3,250,* according to Thumbtack data. Keep in mind that some contractors may have minimum charges or charge by the square foot. So, the bigger your attic, the more you’ll likely pay. 

Attic insulation costs also vary depending on the type of insulation you want to use and whether there’s any preparation required before the new insulation is placed. If you have asbestos in your attic, remediation work could also increase the overall cost dramatically. 

While you can get ballpark prices by calling for attic insulation near you, contractors will need detailed information to give you an accurate estimate. To get a clear idea of your costs, have them conduct a site inspection and compare the insulation options available to you. 

*Data on file at Thumbtack. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.

Insulating your attic can help save energy costs when heating your home, but keep in mind it could run you thousands of dollars. Here are some ways you may be able save money on attic insulation:

• Insulation type: Insulation with a higher R-value usually costs more, so determine what R-value your attic insulation needs.

• Time of year: Demand for insulation typically goes up when it starts to get cold, so installing in months with mild weather can sometimes lower costs.

• Removing old insulation: If your old insulation isn’t wet or moldy, you may not need to remove it. This can save you money if your pro charges for removal.

To get an exact quote for attic insulation, reach out to pros in your area. 

Choosing the right attic insulation for your home depends on your priorities. Here are a few options to consider:

• Fiberglass batt or blown-in fiberglass insulation: Typically, this type is cost-effective and readily available.

• Blown-in cellulose insulation: This is an eco-friendly option that's also relatively affordable.

• Spray foam insulation covered with drywall: This is best if you’re using your attic space as a living or storage area, but it can be more expensive. 

If you're not sure which insulation is best for your attic, ask for options when contacting pros. Discuss the pros and cons — as well as pricing — to help you make the right choice.

Because a well-insulated attic can help stabilize your home’s temperature, the heating and air conditioning systems don’t have to kick on all the time, helping your HVAC system potentially last longer. You may also see lower energy bills due to the drop in activity.

A properly insulated attic can also affect the longevity of your roof by preventing ice dams, which can cause expensive water damage. Ice dams form when the upper part of the roof heats up faster than the lower part due to poor insulation and ventilation. 

By sealing air gaps in the attic, you also prevent animals and other pests from moving in. An insulation pro near you can help make sure the attic receives adequate ventilation while also keeping critters at bay. 

Installing new insulation in your attic often starts with removing the old insulation. This allows the pro to access and seal any air gaps around light fixtures, electrical boxes and other protrusions on the attic floor. 

If you want to use the attic for storage, the next step is to build a raised storage platform. Most insulation materials need to be about 10 to 14 inches thick, so the floor must be raised to accommodate this height. 

Some people only put attic insulation on the floor, but it can also go directly under the roof. To do this properly, baffles must be stapled between the rafters to create an airflow channel between the soffit vent and the ridge vent. A vapor barrier may also be necessary, depending on the type of insulation. 

Finally, the new insulation can be sprayed, blown in or laid into the spaces between the rafters and floor joists.

You may be able to insulate your own attic, but consider hiring a pro to avoid these potential problems:

• Exposing yourself to asbestos in old insulation

• Failing to install baffles for proper airflow

• Not getting an air-tight seal around protrusions

• Using the wrong type of insulation

• Not laying the insulation on thick enough

• Accidentally compressing the insulation

• Not taking precautions to reduce fire risk around obstacles like recessed lights