Home Comfort Insights from Connecticut's Insulation Experts

When it comes to insulating your home, choosing the right contractor is just as important as selecting the right type of insulation. Insulation is an investment that affects your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and even structural integrity—so you want to make sure it’s done right the first time.

That’s why experience matters when selecting an insulation company. A contractor with years (or decades) of expertise will understand building science, local climate challenges, and best installation practices—all of which directly impact your home’s performance.

At Nealon Insulation, we’ve been insulating homes along the Connecticut shoreline for 48 years, and here’s why that experience makes a difference.

1. Understanding Local Climate and Building Codes

Homes in Connecticut—especially along the shoreline—face unique insulation challenges that an experienced contractor will be familiar with:

✔ Moisture control: Coastal homes deal with higher humidity and moisture exposure, which can lead to mold and insulation failure if not properly addressed.
✔ Cold winters and hot summers: Your insulation needs to keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer.
✔ Strict building codes: Connecticut has specific energy efficiency and fire safety regulations for insulation—an experienced contractor will know exactly what’s required.

A company with decades of experience will ensure your insulation is installed correctly, up to code, and designed to handle Connecticut’s climate.

2. Avoiding Common Insulation Mistakes

Inexperienced contractors can make critical mistakes that reduce insulation effectiveness and cause long-term issues:

🚫 Improper air sealing – Insulation alone won’t stop drafts; it must be paired with proper air sealing.
🚫 Incorrect installation – Gaps, compression, or uneven distribution reduce insulation’s effectiveness.
🚫 Choosing the wrong material – Some materials perform better in certain locations and climates than others.
🚫 Moisture issues – Failing to install vapor barriers or use moisture-resistant materials can lead to mold and rot.

With nearly 50 years of experience, Nealon Insulation knows how to avoid these common pitfalls, ensuring your insulation performs at its best for decades.

3. Expertise in Different Insulation Materials

Not all insulation is created equal, and an experienced contractor will recommend the best option for your home. Nealon Insulation specializes in cellulose insulation, which offers:

✅ Higher energy efficiency than fiberglass
✅ Better air sealing to prevent drafts
✅ Eco-friendly materials (85% recycled content)
✅ Pest resistance (treated with borate, which repels rodents and insects)

With nearly five decades in the industry, we understand when and where each type of insulation works best, ensuring you get the most effective solution.

4. Proven Track Record and Customer Satisfaction

A contractor’s experience is best measured by their reputation. A well-established company will have:

✔ Hundreds of successful projects and satisfied customers
✔ Strong online reviews and testimonials
✔ Long-standing relationships with suppliers and energy efficiency programs

At Nealon Insulation, we’ve built a trusted reputation over 48 years by delivering high-quality insulation solutions and excellent customer service.

5. Knowledge of Rebates and Energy Incentives

An experienced insulation company won’t just install insulation—they’ll help you save money by navigating available rebates and incentives.

For example, Connecticut homeowners can qualify for rebates through EnergizeCT. As a certified contractor with the program, Nealon Insulation can help you:

💰 Lower the upfront cost of insulation upgrades
📑 Handle rebate paperwork so you don’t have to
⚡ Ensure your home meets energy efficiency standards

Newer companies may not have the certifications or knowledge to guide you through these savings opportunities.

6. Long-Term Reliability and Support

Insulation is a long-term investment, so you want a company that will be there for years to come if you ever need:

✔ Follow-up service
✔ Additional insulation upgrades
✔ Advice on maintaining your home’s energy efficiency

A company with decades of experience isn’t going anywhere—you can trust they’ll be around if you ever need them.

Choose Experience. Choose Nealon Insulation.

With 48 years of experience insulating homes along the Connecticut shoreline, Nealon Insulation brings:

✅ Unmatched knowledge of insulation and building science
✅ Expertise in Connecticut’s unique climate and energy codes
✅ High-quality materials and professional installation
✅ A reputation for excellence and customer satisfaction

Don’t leave your home’s comfort and efficiency to chance. Choose an insulation company with the experience to get the job done right.

👉 Contact Nealon Insulation today for a free consultation and expert advice!

‍

If you’re wondering how much insulation your Connecticut home needs, you’re not alone. Proper insulation is key to keeping your home warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and energy-efficient year-round—but knowing the right R-value for your home is crucial.

In this guide, we’ll break down:
✅ What R-value is and why it matters
✅ Recommended insulation levels for Connecticut homes
✅ How to determine if your home needs more insulation
✅ The best insulation choices for maximum efficiency
✅ How to save money with insulation rebates through EnergizeCT

What Is R-Value, and Why Does It Matter?

R-value measures how well insulation resists heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation’s ability to keep heat inside during winter and outside during summer.

Here’s why R-value is important in Connecticut:
✔ Cold winters require higher R-values to keep heating costs low
✔ Hot, humid summers mean insulation should also block heat gain
✔ Proper insulation saves money on energy bills year-round

Connecticut homeowners who invest in higher R-values can see significant savings on energy bills while enjoying a more comfortable home.

Recommended R-Values for Connecticut Homes

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) provides guidelines for recommended insulation levels based on climate zones. Connecticut falls into Climate Zone 5, meaning homes here need higher insulation levels than in warmer states.

R-Value Recommendations for Different Areas of Your Home

Area of the Home

Recommended R-Value

Attic

R-49 to R-60

Walls (Exterior)

R-13 to R-21

Floors (Above Unheated Spaces)

R-25 to R-30

Basement or Crawl Space Walls

R-10 to R-19

If your home doesn’t meet these R-value recommendations, you could be losing heat in winter and gaining unwanted heat in summer—driving up your energy costs.

How to Tell If Your Home Needs More Insulation

Not sure if your home has enough insulation? Look for these signs:

🚩 High energy bills – If heating and cooling costs seem higher than they should be, poor insulation might be the culprit.
🚩 Uneven temperatures – Some rooms feel colder in winter or hotter in summer than others.
🚩 Drafts or cold floors – If your floors are cold in winter, it may mean poor insulation in crawl spaces or under floors.
🚩 Ice dams on the roof – Icicles forming on your roof can indicate heat escaping from your attic, melting snow unevenly.
🚩 Insufficient attic insulation – If you can see the floor joists in your attic, you likely need more insulation.

If you experience any of these issues, your home could benefit from an insulation upgrade.

Best Insulation Options for Connecticut Homes

Not all insulation is created equal. At Nealon Insulation, we specialize in high-performance cellulose insulation, which is:

✅ Better at stopping air leaks than fiberglass
✅ More environmentally friendly (made from 85% recycled materials)
✅ Treated to resist pests like mice and insects
✅ Ideal for Connecticut’s cold winters and humid summers

Other insulation types include:

• Fiberglass batts – Budget-friendly but less effective at stopping air leaks
• Spray foam – Good air sealing, but expensive and difficult to remove
• Rigid foam board – Used for basement walls and some exterior applications

For most homes in Connecticut, cellulose insulation is the best choice for maximizing energy efficiency and meeting recommended R-values.

Save Money with Insulation Rebates from EnergizeCT

Many Connecticut homeowners don’t realize they can save money on insulation upgrades through EnergizeCT’s Home Energy Solutions (HES) program.

How It Works:

✅ A professional home energy audit helps determine your insulation needs
✅ Instant discounts on insulation installation (often covering a significant portion of the cost)
✅ Long-term energy savings after upgrading to the proper R-value

Because Nealon Insulation is an approved contractor with EnergizeCT, we can help you qualify for rebates and discounts to make your insulation upgrade more affordable.

💰 Want to see how much you can save? Contact us for a free consultation!

How Nealon Insulation Can Help

At Nealon Insulation, we’ve been insulating Connecticut homes for 48 years, helping homeowners maximize comfort and lower energy bills.

✔ We assess your home’s insulation levels to determine if an upgrade is needed
✔ We recommend the best R-value for your specific home and budget
✔ We install high-quality cellulose insulation for better energy efficiency
✔ We help homeowners qualify for EnergizeCT rebates to make insulation more affordable

‍

Insulation is one of the most important upgrades you can make to your home, but many homeowners have questions about how it works, what type to choose, and how it impacts energy efficiency. To help, we’ve answered 10 of the most common insulation questions below!

1. How do I know if my home needs more insulation?

Many homes—especially older ones—don’t have enough insulation. Signs you may need more include:

✔ High energy bills (your HVAC system runs constantly)
✔ Drafty rooms in winter or hot spots in summer
✔ Uneven temperatures between rooms
✔ Cold walls, floors, or ceilings in winter
✔ Ice dams forming on your roof

If you notice any of these, an insulation upgrade can help improve comfort and energy efficiency.

2. What type of insulation is best for my home?

The best type of insulation depends on your home’s needs and where it will be installed. Common options include:

• Cellulose insulation – Made from recycled paper, great for energy efficiency, air sealing, and pest resistance (our specialty at Nealon Insulation!).
• Fiberglass insulation – Affordable, but less effective at stopping air leaks.
• Spray foam insulation – Provides an air seal but can be expensive and difficult to remove if needed.

For most homes, cellulose insulation is a top choice for performance and cost-effectiveness.

3. Will adding insulation really lower my energy bills?

Yes! Proper insulation can cut heating and cooling costs by up to 30%. It helps keep warm air inside during winter and blocks heat from entering in summer, reducing how hard your HVAC system has to work.

4. Where should I insulate my home?

The most important areas to insulate are:

✔ Attic – Prevents heat from escaping in winter and keeps your home cooler in summer.
✔ Walls – Reduces heat transfer and drafts.
✔ Basement or crawl space – Stops cold air from seeping up through floors.
✔ Garage (if attached) – Helps regulate temperatures in adjacent rooms.

5. How long does insulation last?

Most insulation materials last 20-30 years, but factors like moisture, pests, or settling can shorten their lifespan. Cellulose insulation tends to hold up better over time than fiberglass, and it doesn’t degrade like spray foam.

6. What’s the difference between R-value and insulation effectiveness?

R-value measures how well insulation resists heat flow—the higher the R-value, the better the insulation. However, air sealing is just as important as R-value. Cellulose insulation is great because it not only has a high R-value but also fills gaps and prevents air leaks.

7. Can insulation help with noise reduction?

Yes! Insulation helps absorb sound between rooms and from outside noise. If you live near a busy road or have noisy neighbors, adding insulation to your walls and attic can make your home much quieter.

8. Does insulation help with pest control?

Certain types of insulation, like cellulose, are treated with borate, which is naturally resistant to pests like mice and insects. Unlike fiberglass, which pests can nest in, cellulose insulation discourages rodents from making a home in your walls or attic.

9. How much does insulation cost?

Costs vary depending on the material and size of the project, but here’s a general breakdown:

• Blown-in cellulose or fiberglass: $1.00–$1.50 per square foot
• Spray foam: $2.00–$6.00 per square foot (much more expensive)
• Batt insulation (fiberglass rolls): $0.50–$1.25 per square foot

Many Connecticut homeowners qualify for rebates through EnergizeCT, which can significantly reduce the cost.

10. Should I insulate my home before replacing my HVAC system?

Absolutely! If your home isn’t well-insulated, your HVAC system has to work much harder. Adding insulation first reduces the load on your heating and cooling system, which could mean:

✔ You don’t need as big (or expensive) of an HVAC unit
✔ Lower energy bills and better efficiency
✔ A more comfortable home year-round

‍