What Is The Cheapest Home Insulation Option? [2024]

Insulating your home will save money in the long term, but should you choose the cheapest insulation?

We take a look at the costs of different types of insulation and their benefits, including:

• How much does insulation cost?
• What is the cheapest insulation to install?
• How to choose the best insulation
• Getting quotes for the cheapest insulation

© Smarter Insulation Services

How much does insulation cost?

The cost of insulation mainly depends on the type of insulation and its performance.

There are two basic types of insulation: reflective insulation and bulk insulation. Reflective insulation is designed to reflect heat away from your home's interior, while bulk insulation is designed to absorb heat. Both are available in a range of options with different prices.

For reflective insulation, expect to pay around:

For bulk insulation, you'll pay in the region of:

The effectiveness of both types of insulation is determined by its R-value. A higher R-value will increase the insulation cost, but also save more money in the long term. As a general guide, expect to pay around:

Finally, having a professional install your insulation will cost around $60 to $80 per hour. All of this should be reflected in your quote so you can compare the cheapest insulation options.

Read more: How much does insulation cost?

What is the cheapest insulation to install?

Reflective insulation is the cheapest insulation option. A 60-metre roll of 1350mm wide reflective insulation should cost around $100.

For comparison, a 19-metre roll of 450mm bulk insulation rated R 2.0 costs around $30, but will cover less than 20% of the area of the reflective foil insulation.

Talking to insulation installers will help you to decide whether the cheapest insulation is right for you or if you could benefit from upgrading.

How to choose the best insulation

Reflective insulation is the cheapest insulation option, but it's not always the best choice. Insulation services recommend installing reflective insulation under the roof combined with bulk insulation in the ceiling cavity. For walls, bulk insulation or bulk insulation with a reflective side is recommended.

Choosing a lower R-value will also save on insulation costs, but higher R-values may be recommended. An R-value of 2.5 is suitable for ceiling insulation in a cooler climate, but for a hot roof and ceiling, an R-value of 3.5 to 4.0 would be more appropriate.

Getting quotes for the cheapest insulation

When you're ready to contact an installer, getting quotes from several insulation businesses near you will allow you to compare prices and could save you money. They will consider both the short and long-term costs when helping you to select the most appropriate insulation for your home.

Before choosing the cheapest quote, remember that if your house is well-insulated, your energy costs will be lower. Saving a few dollars on cheaper insulation today could cost you hundreds of dollars in the long run.

*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.