Why Insulation and Air Sealing Work So Well Together

There are many different factors that go into creating an energy-efficient and comfortable home. Insulation and air sealing are two such factors and, though they refer to different things, work best when combined. Together, they help keep temperatures consistent, prevent drafts, lower your energy bills, and ensure comfort all year long for your Granada Hills home.

The Benefits of Insulation

Upgrading the insulation and air sealing in your existing house is a commonly overlooked home improvement, but one that offers long-term benefits for homeowners. In fact, many people are surprised to learn about all of the advantages of insulation replacement!

Upgrade Your Home Insulation by End of Year and Claim Your Insulation Tax Credit!

You can save up to $1,200 by claiming the insulation tax credit when you make your home more comfortable and affordable to heat and cool with upgraded insulation and air sealing. This tax credit is a money-saving incentive that many homeowners are unaware of, and even fewer know that fall is one of the best times to schedule your home improvement work if you want to claim your tax credit quickly!

The Insulation Tax Credit, Explained!

Insulation and air sealing upgrades improve indoor comfort, lower heating and cooling bills, and create a healthier and safer indoor environment for your family. Plus, with the insulation tax credit, you can save 30% on the upfront costs of making these long-lasting home improvements, as much as $1,200 every year!

Vaulted Ceilings and Spray Foam

A worker in protective gear applying spray foam insulation to an attic, illustrating the process of improving home energy efficiency.

Using Spray Foam for Unvented Vaulted Ceiling Assemblies.

Recently, I worked on a jobsite that called for spray foam. This project is a small shed, one of those you can buy at Home Depot—like a Tuff Shed. It’s being converted into a detached office, and one of the challenges here is dealing with the rafters.

Why Price per Square Foot is a Red Flag

A construction site view showing walls lined with insulation and protective sheeting, ready for the next stages of building and finishing.

Pricing per square foot is more commonplace now for insulation contractors, especially in the Los Angeles and Southern California areas, particularly with residential jobs. It has become more common due to convenience—both for the contractor and the customer. The contractor can provide a price quickly without needing to spend time traveling, and the customer can avoid the stress of a potentially high-pressure sales situation. Another factor that made pricing per square foot more common was the rise of virtual estimates during COVID-19, as people were working from home and reluctant to meet in person.

Drill & Fill Wall Insulation – How and Why

Interior of a construction site with exposed beams and fiberglass insulation in the process of being installed on the walls and ceiling.

For homes that have already been built, we generally recommend starting with the attic or ceiling insulation first because it’s less money to do and you get a bigger return on your financial investment. You tend to get the most heat loss and heat gain through the ceiling and attic assembly. If that’s already been taken care of, or if the ceiling or attic is inaccessible (like with vaulted ceilings or open beam ceilings where there’s no attic space to install insulation), then you’re definitely going to want to focus on the exterior walls.

How Does the Insulation Tax Credit Work?

Interior view of a garage with walls covered in white insulation panels and visible rafters, highlighting the steps taken to improve thermal efficiency.

The insulation tax credit is a great opportunity to lower the cost of upgrading the insulation and air sealing in your Granada Hills home. You can save 30% of your eligible expenses, up to $1,200 per year, making it more affordable to create a comfortable home and lower monthly energy bills.But many homeowners are less familiar with tax credits than rebates. How is the insulation tax credit different from an insulation rebate, and how do tax credits work in general?