Keep warm this winter with a well-insulated attic

The key to a more comfortable, affordable home could be your attic. That's because homes built more than a few years ago may not have enough attic insulation. Not only have building codes changed, but insulation in this space tends to compress and become less effective over the years.

“If your heating bill seems high, check your attic,” advises Jamal Hamad, director of pro tool rental and installation services at The Home Depot Canada. “Topping up your insulation in this space could be just what you need. Plus, it's one of the most accessible areas of your home for adding insulation.”

Insulation is measured by R-value. If you find the R-value of your attic insulation is too low, you can choose to add more yourself or hire a professional to do it for you. “This is a DIY-friendly project for anyone who doesn't mind rolling up their sleeves,” says Jamal. “You can add blown-in or loose-fill insulation on top of what's already there.”

Handy homeowners will need to rent a blowing machine to complete the project. At The Home Depot, the machine rental is complimentary when purchasing insulation.

Professional help is also available. You can bring in your own trusted pro to complete the work, or ask about installation services when you purchase your insulation.

No matter how you approach the project, having the right amount of insulation will create a more comfortable, consistent indoor climate and significantly improve your home's energy efficiency. newscanada.com