Home Comfort Insights from Connecticut's Insulation Experts

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

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Upgrading your home’s insulation is one of the best ways to improve energy efficiency, reduce heating and cooling costs, and enhance comfort. But not all insulation companies are the same—choosing the right one can make the difference between a high-quality installation and wasted money on subpar work.

If you’re looking for an insulation contractor, here are the key factors to consider before making your decision.

1. Look for Experience and Expertise

Insulation is not a one-size-fits-all job—different homes have different needs. That’s why you want a company with years of experience and a deep understanding of building science.

✔ How long have they been in business?
✔ Do they specialize in insulation, or is it just one of many services they offer?
✔ Are they familiar with homes in your region?

At Nealon Insulation, we have 48 years of experience insulating homes along the Connecticut shoreline. We understand the unique challenges of coastal homes, including moisture control, air sealing, and energy efficiency.

2. Check Their Insulation Materials

Not all insulation is created equal. A good insulation company should offer high-quality materials and be able to explain why one type is better for your home than another.

Common insulation options include:

• Cellulose insulation (our specialty!) – Eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and pest-resistant
• Fiberglass insulation – Affordable but less effective at stopping air leaks
• Spray foam insulation – Provides an air seal but comes with potential moisture risks

If the company can’t explain the pros and cons of each approach, that’s a red flag.

3. Verify Their Licensing and Insurance

A reputable insulation company should be fully licensed and insured. This protects both you and the workers in case of accidents or damage during installation.

✔ Ask if they are licensed to work in your state.
✔ Request proof of liability insurance and worker’s compensation.

Without proper licensing and insurance, you could be liable for any damages or injuries that occur on your property.

4. Read Customer Reviews and Testimonials

A company’s reputation speaks volumes about the quality of their work. Before hiring an insulation contractor, check their:

✔ Google reviews and ratings
✔ Testimonials on their website
✔ Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating
✔ References from past customers

If a company has a pattern of negative reviews or complaints about poor workmanship, it’s best to steer clear.

5. Ask About Energy Rebates and Incentives

Many states, including Connecticut, offer rebates and incentives for insulation upgrades through programs like EnergizeCT.

✔ A good insulation company will help you navigate rebates and maximize your savings.
✔ They should be a certified contractor within these energy programs.

At Nealon Insulation, we’re part of the EnergizeCT Insulation Installers Network, meaning we can help connect you with available rebates and make your insulation upgrade more affordable.

6. Get a Detailed Estimate

A professional insulation company should provide:

✔ A free consultation and thorough inspection of your home
✔ A detailed written estimate outlining materials, labor, and expected results
✔ An explanation of energy savings and how insulation will improve efficiency

Beware of vague pricing or companies that offer a quote without inspecting your home. A proper assessment ensures you get the right insulation for your needs.

7. Consider Their Customer Service

The best insulation companies prioritize customer satisfaction and provide:

✔ Clear communication—explaining your options without high-pressure sales tactics
✔ Professionalism and punctuality—arriving on time and respecting your home
✔ Warranties on their work—showing they stand behind their installation

At Nealon Insulation, we believe in honest advice, transparent pricing, and top-quality service.

Why Choose Nealon Insulation?

At Nealon Insulation, we’ve been insulating homes along the Connecticut shoreline for nearly 50 years. Here’s why homeowners trust us:

✅ 48 years of expertise in insulation and energy efficiency
✅ Specialists in cellulose insulation—a superior, eco-friendly option
✅ Certified contractor with EnergizeCT—helping you save on insulation costs
✅ Exceptional customer service with honest recommendations
✅ Locally owned and operated, serving the shoreline community

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Properly insulating your exterior walls can make your home more energy-efficient, comfortable, and quieter. For existing homes, one of the best methods is the drill-and-fill technique, which allows you to add insulation without major demolition. Here’s a step-by-step guide to insulating exterior walls without removing drywall.

Why Insulate Your Exterior Walls?

If your home was built before modern energy codes, it might have little to no insulation in the exterior walls. Insulating these walls provides numerous benefits:

• Lower Energy Bills – Proper insulation helps retain heat in the winter and keep it out in the summer, reducing heating and cooling costs.
• Improved Comfort – Insulated walls eliminate drafts and make indoor temperatures more consistent.
• Better Soundproofing – Adding insulation reduces noise from outside, creating a quieter living environment.
• Pest and Moisture Control – Insulation can help deter pests and reduce moisture buildup, which can lead to mold or mildew issues.
• Increased Home Value – Energy efficiency is a key selling point for buyers, making insulation a worthwhile investment.

How to Insulate Exterior Walls Without Removing Drywall

The most effective way to insulate exterior walls in an existing home is through the drill-and-fill method. This technique allows insulation to be installed without the mess and hassle of tearing down drywall.

Step 1: Remove a Section of the Siding

To access the wall cavities, a professional insulation contractor will remove a section of your home’s exterior siding. This process ensures that the insulation can be installed without damaging your interior walls.

Step 2: Drill Holes into the Sheathing

Once the siding is removed, holes are drilled into the exterior wall sheathing between the studs. These holes allow access to the empty wall cavities where insulation will be installed.

Step 3: Blow in Dense-Pack Insulation

Using specialized equipment, insulation is blown into the wall cavities under high pressure. The most common and effective material for this process is cellulose insulation, which is made from recycled paper and treated for fire and pest resistance. Fiberglass insulation can also be used, but cellulose is preferred for its superior air-sealing properties.

Step 4: Seal and Plug the Holes

After the insulation is installed, the drilled holes are plugged and sealed to prevent air leakage and maintain the integrity of the wall structure.

Step 5: Reinstall the Siding

Once the insulation process is complete, the siding is carefully reattached, leaving no visible evidence that insulation was added.

Choosing the Right Insulation for Exterior Walls

When insulating existing exterior walls, dense-pack cellulose is one of the best options due to its ability to fill gaps and prevent air leaks. Fiberglass loose-fill is another option but may not provide as much air sealing as cellulose. Spray foam insulation is sometimes used for exterior wall insulation but requires more invasive installation and is typically more expensive.