What r value

The R-value, in plain English, is a measure of thermal resistance.

Think of it as how well a material resists the flow of heat.

The higher the R-value, the better a material insulates.

It’s a critical concept in maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures and, more importantly, reducing energy consumption in your home or building.

When you’re trying to figure out “what R-value” you need for an attic, walls, or even a garage ceiling, you’re essentially asking how much thermal resistance is required to keep heat where it belongs – inside during winter, and outside during summer.

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This directly impacts your heating and cooling bills, making it a key factor in energy efficiency.

Understanding R-values helps you make informed decisions about insulation, whether you’re building new, renovating, or just trying to seal up drafts.

Here are some top products designed to improve your home’s thermal performance, helping you achieve optimal R-values and energy savings:

• Owens Corning PINK NEXT GEN FIBERGLAS Insulation

  

  • Key Features: Made from sustainable materials, formaldehyde-free, excellent thermal and sound control, available in batts and rolls for various R-values.
  • Average Price: Varies widely based on R-value and coverage area e.g., $50-$150 per roll/batt pack.
  • Pros: Easy to install for DIYers, widely available, good fire resistance, helps achieve high R-values for attic and wall insulation.
  • Cons: Can be itchy during installation, requires proper safety gear gloves, mask.

• ROCKWOOL COMFORTBATT Mineral Wool Insulation

  • Key Features: High-density mineral wool, excellent fire resistance non-combustible, superior sound absorption, water repellent, maintains R-value even when compressed.
  • Average Price: Generally higher than fiberglass, around $70-$200 per batt pack depending on thickness and R-value.
  • Pros: Superb thermal performance, incredibly fire-resistant, excellent for soundproofing, durable and resistant to mold/mildew.
  • Cons: Heavier and denser than fiberglass, which can make handling slightly more challenging for some.

• Great Stuff Pro Gaps & Cracks Insulating Foam Sealant

  • Key Features: Polyurethane foam sealant, expands to fill gaps and cracks, provides an airtight seal, can be cut, sanded, and painted.
  • Average Price: Around $15-$30 per can requires a foam gun for pro versions.
  • Pros: Essential for air sealing, prevents drafts, easy to apply in tricky spots, significantly boosts overall R-value by eliminating air leakage.
  • Cons: Can be messy if not applied carefully, requires a dedicated foam gun for the professional version, cures quickly.

• Foil Faced Rigid Foam Insulation Board e.g., Dow Thermax

  • Key Features: Polyisocyanurate or XPS rigid foam, often with reflective foil facers, high R-value per inch, excellent vapor barrier properties.
  • Average Price: Varies by thickness and type, $30-$100+ per 4×8 sheet.
  • Pros: High R-value in a compact form, great for basement walls and crawl space applications, provides a continuous insulation layer, resistant to moisture.
  • Cons: More expensive per square foot than batt insulation, requires careful cutting and sealing of seams.

• Insulated Garage Door Kits e.g., Owens Corning Garage Door Insulation Kit

  • Key Features: Typically pre-cut foam or fiberglass panels that fit into garage door sections, designed for easy DIY installation.
  • Average Price: $70-$150 per kit, typically enough for a standard single or double garage door.
  • Pros: Significantly improves garage temperature control, reduces outside noise, relatively quick and easy to install.
  • Cons: May not offer a very high R-value depending on the kit, doesn’t address air gaps around the door.

• Ecobee Smart Thermostat

  • Key Features: Wi-Fi enabled, remote sensors for accurate temperature readings across the home, smart home integration, energy usage reports, vacation mode.
  • Average Price: $150-$250.
  • Pros: Optimizes HVAC system performance, saves energy by learning habits and adjusting temperatures, provides insights into energy consumption, enhances comfort.
  • Cons: Initial setup can be a bit technical, full features require a good Wi-Fi connection.

• Weatherstripping and Door Sweeps Kit

  • Key Features: Various materials like foam, rubber, silicone, or brush seals for sealing gaps around doors and windows. Often includes door bottom sweeps.
  • Average Price: $10-$40 per kit, depending on materials and length.
  • Pros: Inexpensive, incredibly effective at stopping drafts and air leakage, easy to install, immediate impact on comfort and energy bills.
  • Cons: May need periodic replacement, can sometimes get snagged or wear out with heavy use.

Unpacking the R-Value: Your Home’s Thermal Shield

Understanding what R-value means is foundational to making informed decisions about your home’s energy efficiency. It’s not just a number.

It’s a critical metric that quantifies how effectively a material resists the flow of heat.

Think of it as a thermal “speed bump” for heat energy.

The higher the R-value, the more significant that speed bump, meaning less heat escapes in the winter and less heat penetrates in the summer.

This concept is vital for anyone looking to optimize their home’s comfort, reduce their carbon footprint, and, let’s be honest, save some money on those utility bills. What r value do you need

The Science Behind the Number

The R-value is derived from the material’s thermal conductivity k-value and its thickness. Specifically, R-value = thickness / k-value.

This relationship shows that a thicker material of the same type will have a higher R-value, and materials with inherently lower thermal conductivity meaning they don’t conduct heat well will also have higher R-values for a given thickness.

Different insulation materials achieve their R-value in various ways.

• Trapped Air: Most insulation works by trapping tiny pockets of air. Air is a poor conductor of heat, so these trapped air pockets significantly slow down heat transfer. This is why materials like fiberglass, mineral wool, and cellulose are so effective.
• Material Density: While more dense doesn’t always mean better, the right density helps maintain those trapped air pockets and prevents convection heat transfer through fluid movement within the insulation itself.
• Reflective Surfaces: Some insulation, particularly rigid foam boards with foil facers, also incorporate radiant barriers. These surfaces reflect radiant heat, further reducing heat transfer. This is especially effective in attics where a lot of heat transfer occurs through radiation.

Factors Influencing Required R-Values

Determining the “what R-value” you need isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.

Several factors play into the recommendations, which are often provided by the Department of Energy DOE and local building codes. What pressure should my well tank be

• Climate Zone: This is perhaps the most significant factor. Colder climates like those in the northern U.S. require higher R-values to combat greater temperature differences, while warmer climates can get by with lower values, primarily focused on keeping heat out. The U.S. is divided into several climate zones, each with specific R-value recommendations for different parts of the home.
• Type of Construction: A new build often has different insulation requirements and opportunities compared to a renovation or an older home. Modern construction typically aims for higher R-values for overall energy efficiency.
• Heating and Cooling System: Homes with highly efficient HVAC systems might still benefit from excellent insulation to minimize their workload, while less efficient systems will lean even more heavily on robust insulation.
• Specific Area of the Home: The R-value needed for an attic is usually much higher than that for walls or floors, primarily due to the significant heat loss/gain that occurs through the roof.

Beyond the Number: Air Sealing Matters

It’s crucial to understand that even the highest R-value insulation won’t perform optimally if your home isn’t properly air-sealed.

Air leakage through cracks, gaps, and penetrations can negate a significant portion of your insulation’s effectiveness.

Think of it this way: you can have the warmest blanket high R-value, but if it’s full of holes, you’ll still feel the chill.

• Common Leakage Points: These include gaps around windows and doors, plumbing and electrical penetrations, attic hatches, recessed lighting, and where walls meet foundations.
• Addressing Air Leaks: Using products like Great Stuff Pro Gaps & Cracks Insulating Foam Sealant and Weatherstripping and Door Sweeps Kit is paramount. These inexpensive solutions can often provide a more immediate and noticeable impact on comfort and energy bills than simply adding more insulation without addressing air leaks first.
• Blower Door Test: For a comprehensive understanding of your home’s air leakage, a professional blower door test can pinpoint exact problem areas and quantify the extent of air infiltration.

Recommended R-Values for Key Home Areas

When you’re trying to figure out “what R-value insulation do I need” for specific parts of your home, the answer depends heavily on your climate zone and the specific area you’re insulating. What paint goes with a brown roof

These are general guidelines, and it’s always wise to check local building codes, which may have stricter requirements.

Remember, investing in proper insulation is one of the most effective long-term strategies for reducing energy consumption and increasing comfort.

What R-Value for Attic?

The attic is often the most critical area for insulation, as a significant amount of heat can escape or enter through the roof.

Recommended R-values for attics are typically the highest in a home.

• Climate Zone 1-2 Hot/Humid to Mixed-Humid: R30 to R49
• Climate Zone 3 Mixed-Humid: R38 to R60
• Climate Zone 4 Mixed-Dry to Cold/Humid: R49 to R60
• Climate Zone 5-8 Cold to Very Cold: R49 to R60+
• Material Choice: For attics, common choices include Owens Corning PINK NEXT GEN FIBERGLAS Insulation batts or blown-in insulation fiberglass or cellulose for ease of installation in irregular spaces.
• Considerations: Ensure proper ventilation in the attic to prevent moisture buildup, especially if adding more insulation. Also, make sure insulation doesn’t block soffit vents. For exposed attic floors, you’re looking to achieve the total R-value with the insulation you lay down. If you have an existing R-19, adding R-30 more would get you R-49.

What R-Value Insulation for Walls?

Wall insulation is crucial for maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures.

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Unlike attics, wall cavities have limited space typically 2×4 or 2×6 stud depths, which limits the maximum R-value you can achieve with traditional batt insulation.

• What R-value for 2×4 walls?
  • Typically allows for R-13 to R-15 using fiberglass or mineral wool batts.
  • ROCKWOOL COMFORTBATT Mineral Wool Insulation can offer slightly higher R-values per inch.
• What R-value for 2×6 walls?
  • Allows for R-19 to R-21 using fiberglass or mineral wool batts.
  • These thicker walls provide more space for insulation, leading to better thermal performance.
• Advanced Wall Insulation:
  • Continuous Insulation CI: Adding Foil Faced Rigid Foam Insulation Board to the exterior of the wall sheathing can significantly increase the overall R-value and reduce thermal bridging through the studs. This is a common strategy in high-performance homes.
  • Blown-in Cellulose or Fiberglass: Can be dense-packed into existing wall cavities for retrofits, offering good R-values and excellent air sealing when installed correctly.

What R-Value for Basement Walls?

Insulating basement walls can dramatically improve comfort and reduce heating costs, especially in colder climates.

It’s also vital for preventing moisture issues and condensation.

• Interior vs. Exterior Insulation:
  • Interior: Most common for existing basements. Typically involves framing out a new wall and installing batt insulation fiberglass or mineral wool or rigid foam boards directly against the concrete wall.
  • Exterior: Best done during new construction or major excavation. Involves applying rigid foam board directly to the exterior of the foundation wall.
• Recommended R-values:
  • Climate Zone 1-2: R5 to R10
  • Climate Zone 3-4: R10 to R15
  • Climate Zone 5-8: R15 to R25
• Moisture Management:
  • A critical aspect of basement insulation. Always ensure proper drainage on the exterior and consider a vapor barrier or vapor-retarding rigid foam on the interior to manage moisture effectively.
  • Foil Faced Rigid Foam Insulation Board is often favored for basement walls due to its moisture resistance and consistent R-value.

What R-Value Insulation for Crawl Space?

Crawl space insulation can improve comfort on the main living floor, prevent frozen pipes, and deter moisture and pest problems. What is window mulling

The approach depends on whether it’s a vented or unvented crawl space.

• Vented Crawl Space: Insulation is typically installed in the subfloor directly above the crawl space, aiming to separate the conditioned space from the unconditioned crawl space.
  • Recommended R-values subfloor: R19 to R30, depending on climate zone.
  • Owens Corning PINK NEXT GEN FIBERGLAS Insulation or ROCKWOOL COMFORTBATT Mineral Wool Insulation can be used, supported by wire or netting.
• Unvented Conditioned Crawl Space: The crawl space itself is brought inside the thermal envelope, meaning the walls and floor of the crawl space are insulated, and it’s sealed from the outside. This approach is generally preferred for moisture control and energy efficiency.
  • Recommended R-values walls: Similar to basement walls, R10 to R20 on the perimeter walls.
  • Foil Faced Rigid Foam Insulation Board is excellent for this application due to its moisture resistance and ease of sealing. A vapor barrier on the ground is essential.

Specialized Insulation Applications and Materials

Beyond the typical attic and wall insulation, there are specific areas of your home that can significantly benefit from targeted insulation strategies.

Understanding the “what R-value” for these unique spots and the materials best suited for them can lead to substantial gains in comfort and energy efficiency.

What R-Value for Garage?

Often overlooked, an insulated garage can make a surprising difference, especially if it’s attached to your living space or if you spend a lot of time working in it. Insulating a garage isn’t just about comfort.

It can also prevent heat loss from adjacent living areas and protect stored items from extreme temperatures. What is vermiculite insulation

• Garage Walls Adjoining House:
  • These walls should be insulated to the same standards as exterior walls of your home, aiming for R-13 to R-21 depending on climate and wall cavity depth 2×4 or 2×6.
  • Consider using Owens Corning PINK NEXT GEN FIBERGLAS Insulation or ROCKWOOL COMFORTBATT Mineral Wool Insulation for these sections.
• Garage Doors:
  • A major source of heat loss/gain. Even a small increase in R-value here can be noticeable.
  • Many DIY kits, like Insulated Garage Door Kits, offer R-values of R-4 to R-8. While not exceptionally high, they drastically reduce heat transfer compared to uninsulated doors.
  • Look for kits that use rigid foam panels or dense fiberglass.
• Air Sealing: Don’t forget the perimeter! Sealing gaps around the garage door with quality weatherstripping and ensuring any penetrations for utilities are sealed with Great Stuff Pro Gaps & Cracks Insulating Foam Sealant is just as important as the insulation itself.

What R-Value for Ceilings Between Floors or Over Unconditioned Space?

When we talk about “what R-value for ceilings,” it can refer to a few scenarios: the ceiling of the top floor which is the attic floor, a ceiling between a conditioned and unconditioned space like a garage ceiling beneath a living space, or even soundproofing between floors.

• Garage Ceiling Beneath Conditioned Space:
  • This is essentially a floor system that needs to be insulated to separate the garage from the living space above.
  • Recommendations often mirror those for floors over unconditioned spaces: R-19 to R-30.
  • ROCKWOOL COMFORTBATT Mineral Wool Insulation or fiberglass batts are common choices, often supported by netting or strapping.
  • It’s vital to ensure a continuous air barrier between the garage and the living space for safety e.g., fire-rated drywall and energy efficiency.
• Ceilings of Top Floor Attic Floor:
  • As discussed earlier, this is the most critical area. The R-value here should be high, typically R-38 to R-60+, depending on your climate zone.
  • This is where products like Owens Corning PINK NEXT GEN FIBERGLAS Insulation blown-in or batts shine.
• Between Conditioned Floors Sound Dampening:
  • While not primarily for thermal R-value, insulation like ROCKWOOL COMFORTBATT Mineral Wool Insulation is excellent for soundproofing ceilings between floors, reducing airborne and impact noise. Even modest R-values can provide significant acoustic benefits.

What R-Value is Spray Foam?

Spray foam insulation has gained popularity due to its high R-value per inch and excellent air-sealing properties.

It’s a premium product, often requiring professional installation, but its performance benefits are significant.

• Types of Spray Foam:
  • Closed-Cell Spray Foam: Offers a very high R-value, typically R-6.5 to R-7 per inch. It’s dense, rigid, and acts as its own vapor barrier, making it suitable for basement walls, crawl spaces, and areas where moisture control is crucial. It also adds structural rigidity.
  • Open-Cell Spray Foam: Has a lower R-value, typically R-3.5 to R-3.7 per inch. It’s less dense, more flexible, and allows for vapor diffusion meaning it doesn’t act as a vapor barrier. It’s often used for wall cavities and attics where its air-sealing properties are highly beneficial.
• Benefits:
  • Superior Air Sealing: Fills every cavity and crevice, eliminating drafts and creating an incredibly tight thermal envelope. This significantly reduces uncontrolled air leakage, which is a major source of energy waste.
  • High R-value per Inch: Allows for higher overall R-values in limited spaces e.g., a 2×4 wall can achieve R-24+ with closed-cell foam.
  • Moisture Control: Closed-cell foam resists water absorption and can act as a vapor retarder.
  • Reduced Pests and Allergens: The dense, sealed barrier can help keep out insects and outdoor allergens.
• Considerations:
  • Cost: Generally more expensive than traditional insulation materials like fiberglass or cellulose.
  • Installation: Best left to certified professionals due to the need for specialized equipment, proper mixing, and safety precautions e.g., proper ventilation during application.
  • Off-gassing: While modern foams are generally safe once cured, proper ventilation during and immediately after installation is crucial to dissipate any potential off-gases.

Maximizing Your Insulation Investment: Beyond the R-Value

While understanding “what R-value” you need is fundamental, simply installing insulation isn’t the whole story. What is underpinning

To truly maximize your investment in energy efficiency and comfort, you need a holistic approach that considers insulation, air sealing, and smart energy management.

This comprehensive strategy ensures that every dollar spent on improving your home’s thermal envelope translates into tangible savings and a more comfortable living environment.

The Interplay of Insulation and Air Sealing

Imagine your home as a perfectly sealed container.

Insulation works best when heat can only transfer through the material itself, not by air leaking in and out.

This is why air sealing is just as, if not more, important than the R-value of your insulation in many cases. What do thermofoil cabinets look like

• Convective Heat Transfer: This is where air sealing plays its biggest role. Warm air rises and escapes through leaks in the attic, creating a negative pressure that pulls in cold air from cracks in the basement or lower walls. This “stack effect” can dramatically increase your heating bills. In summer, the reverse happens, pulling hot, humid air into your home.
• Common Leakage Pathways:
  • Attic Bypass: Holes where wiring, plumbing, or chimneys penetrate the ceiling or top plates. These are major culprits for heat loss.
  • Rim Joists: The area where your foundation meets your walls, often riddled with small gaps.
  • Windows and Doors: Obvious culprits for drafts.
  • Electrical Outlets and Switches: Small but numerous holes in your wall.
  • Ductwork: Leaky ducts in unconditioned spaces attic, crawl space can waste a lot of conditioned air.
• Practical Steps for Air Sealing:
  • Use Great Stuff Pro Gaps & Cracks Insulating Foam Sealant to seal larger gaps and penetrations.
  • Apply caulk to smaller cracks around window and door frames, and around electrical boxes.
  • Install Weatherstripping and Door Sweeps Kit on all exterior doors.
  • Consider sealing and insulating accessible ductwork in unconditioned areas.
  • Cover recessed lighting fixtures in the attic with airtight covers to prevent heat loss.

Integrating Smart Home Technology for Enhanced Efficiency

Once you’ve got your insulation and air sealing dialed in, smart home technology can take your energy efficiency to the next level.

These tools don’t directly change R-values, but they optimize how your heating and cooling systems operate, ensuring you’re only using energy when and where you need it.

• Smart Thermostats: Products like the Ecobee Smart Thermostat are game-changers.
  • Learning Capabilities: They learn your habits and adjust temperatures automatically.
  • Remote Sensors: Placed in different rooms, these sensors ensure comfortable temperatures throughout your home, not just where the thermostat is located. This is particularly useful in multi-level homes or homes with uneven heating/cooling.
  • Geofencing: Some models can use your phone’s location to know when you’re leaving or arriving, automatically adjusting the temperature to save energy when you’re away and ensuring comfort when you return.
  • Energy Reports: They provide detailed insights into your energy usage, helping you identify patterns and further optimize settings.
• Smart Lighting and Appliances: While less about R-value, these technologies contribute to overall energy savings by allowing you to control and monitor usage more effectively.
  • LED Lighting: Significantly reduces electricity consumption compared to incandescent bulbs.
  • Smart Plugs: Allow you to turn off “vampire” loads appliances drawing power even when off with a tap on your phone.

The Long-Term Payoff: Comfort, Savings, and Sustainability

Investing in high R-value insulation and diligent air sealing might seem like a significant upfront cost, but the long-term benefits are substantial and multifaceted.

• Reduced Energy Bills: This is the most immediate and tangible benefit. By preventing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, your HVAC system works less, leading to lower monthly utility expenses. Over the lifespan of your home, these savings can amount to thousands of dollars.
• Enhanced Indoor Comfort: No more cold spots, drafts, or excessively warm rooms. Proper insulation creates a more consistent and comfortable indoor environment year-round. This often translates to fewer arguments about the thermostat setting!
• Improved Indoor Air Quality: A tighter home, coupled with proper ventilation, can reduce the infiltration of outdoor pollutants, dust, and allergens, contributing to a healthier living space.
• Increased Home Value: Energy-efficient homes are increasingly attractive to buyers. A well-insulated home is seen as a lower-cost home to operate, adding to its market value.
• Environmental Impact: By reducing your energy consumption, you’re also lowering your carbon footprint, contributing to a more sustainable future. This is a responsibility we all share.

In essence, understanding “what R-value” means and implementing comprehensive insulation and air-sealing strategies isn’t just about meeting building codes. What are thermofoil cabinets made of

It’s about creating a more comfortable, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible home for the long haul.

FAQ

What does R-value mean for insulation?

R-value is a measure of thermal resistance, indicating how well an insulation material resists the flow of heat.

A higher R-value means better insulating performance.

What R-value insulation do I need for my attic?

The recommended R-value for attics varies significantly by climate zone, generally ranging from R30 in warmer climates to R60 or more in colder climates.

Always check local building codes for specific requirements. What is thermostat used for

What R-value insulation is best for walls?

For 2×4 walls, R-13 to R-15 is typical, while 2×6 walls can accommodate R-19 to R-21. The “best” R-value also depends on your climate zone and if you’re incorporating continuous exterior insulation.

Can I mix different types of insulation to achieve a higher R-value?

Yes, you can layer different types of insulation, such as adding blown-in insulation over existing batts, to achieve a higher total R-value.

What R-value for basement walls is recommended?

Basement wall R-value recommendations range from R5 to R25, with higher values needed in colder climates.

Rigid foam board insulation is often preferred for basements due to its moisture resistance.

What R-value should a garage ceiling have if there’s living space above it?

If a garage ceiling is beneath conditioned living space, it should be insulated to floor-over-unconditioned-space standards, typically R-19 to R-30, depending on your climate zone. What is thermostat housing

What R-value is spray foam insulation?

Closed-cell spray foam typically has an R-value of R-6.5 to R-7 per inch, while open-cell spray foam is around R-3.5 to R-3.7 per inch.

Is a higher R-value always better for insulation?

Yes, generally a higher R-value indicates better thermal resistance.

However, diminishing returns apply, and proper air sealing is equally, if not more, important for overall energy efficiency.

Does the R-value of insulation decrease over time?

Most insulation types, like fiberglass or mineral wool, maintain their R-value over time unless they become wet, compressed, or damaged.

Some rigid foams can experience a slight “thermal drift” initially. What is thermostat

How does air sealing affect R-value performance?

Air sealing is crucial because air leaks can bypass insulation, effectively reducing its performance.

Even high R-value insulation won’t be effective if warm or cold air can flow around it.

What is the R-value of a typical window?

Standard single-pane windows have a very low R-value around R-1. Double-pane windows range from R-2 to R-3, and high-performance triple-pane windows can achieve R-5 to R-6.

Can I install R-value insulation myself, or do I need a professional?

Many types of insulation, like batts, rolls, and rigid foam boards, can be installed by DIYers with proper safety gear.

Spray foam often requires professional installation due to specialized equipment and safety protocols. What is the typical source of well water

What R-value is recommended for a crawl space?

For a vented crawl space, insulate the subfloor to R-19 to R-30. For an unvented conditioned crawl space, insulate the perimeter walls to R-10 to R-20, similar to basement walls.

How does moisture affect R-value?

Moisture significantly degrades insulation’s effectiveness.

Wet insulation, especially fibrous types, loses much of its R-value because water conducts heat much better than trapped air.

What are the R-values of common insulation materials?

• Fiberglass batts: R-3.0 to R-4.0 per inch
• Mineral wool batts: R-3.5 to R-4.2 per inch
• Blown-in cellulose: R-3.2 to R-3.8 per inch
• XPS rigid foam: R-5.0 per inch
• Polyisocyanurate rigid foam: R-6.0 to R-7.0 per inch

What is the difference between R-value and U-factor?

R-value measures thermal resistance how well a material resists heat flow, while U-factor measures thermal transmittance how well a material conducts heat. They are inversely related: U-factor = 1/R-value. Lower U-factor is better.

Do insulating garage door kits really make a difference?

Yes, even kits with lower R-values R-4 to R-8 can significantly reduce heat transfer through an uninsulated garage door, improving comfort and energy efficiency in the garage and adjacent living spaces. Ai voice generator text to speech celebrity free

Can I over-insulate my house?

While you can theoretically add too much insulation, it’s rare in residential settings to reach a point where adding more insulation provides no practical benefit.

The primary concern is often ensuring proper ventilation to prevent moisture issues, especially in attics.

What R-value is needed for 2×6 walls with typical fiberglass insulation?

For 2×6 walls, you can typically achieve an R-value of R-19 to R-21 using standard fiberglass or mineral wool batts that fit the cavity depth.

Besides insulation, what else can I do to improve my home’s energy efficiency?

Beyond insulation, focus on air sealing all leaks, upgrading to energy-efficient windows and doors, maintaining your HVAC system, using smart thermostats like the Ecobee Smart Thermostat, and replacing old appliances with Energy Star rated models.

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