The cost of blown-in insulation can vary greatly depending on the space, materials, and labor involved, but it generally ranges from $1.70 to $4 per square foot.
Blown-in insulation is forced through a hose into areas such as attics, crawl spaces, and other locations that require protection from heat transfer.
For this guide, we gathered pricing data from big and small cities in the U.S. so you can get a better idea of how much this project will cost in your area.
Cost by Location
Generally, higher labor costs in bigger cities will result in higher rates for blow-in insulation costs.
Keep in mind that homes in colder climates typically require more insulation, so homeowners in the North may end up spending significantly more than the national average.
See the table below for a snapshot of the costs to apply blow-in insulation across the country:
| City | Cost per square foot (including labor and materials) |
| Northeast U.S. | |
| Pawtucket, RI | $1.70 – $3.85 |
| New York, NY | $2.05 – $4.95 |
| Southeast U.S. | |
| Dothan, AL | $1.50 – $3.25 |
| Atlanta, GA | $1.55 – $3.40 |
| Midwest U.S. | |
| South Bend, IN | $1.75 – $4 |
| Chicago, IL | $1.85 – $4.40 |
| Northwest U.S. | |
| Corvallis, OR | $1.65 – $3.70 |
| Seattle, WA | $1.90 – $4.55 |
| Southwest U.S. | |
| Roswell, NM | $1.55 – $3.40 |
| San Diego, CA | $1.80 – $4.10 |
Cost Estimator By Size
The cost of blown-in insulation per square foot can vary depending on the thickness of the insulation, the material type, and which part of the home the insulation is being installed in.
Insulating an attic floor is generally more expensive than insulating walls, ranging, on average, from $1.70 to $4 per square foot. You can use the table below to estimate your costs based on the size of the area you need insulation installed:
| Insulation Area in Square Feet | Average Cost To Install |
| 100 | $170 – $400 |
| 200 | $340 – $800 |
| 300 | $510 – $1,200 |
| 400 | $680 – $1,600 |
| 500 | $850 – $2,000 |
| 700 | $1,190 – $2,800 |
| 1,000 | $1,700 – $4,000 |
| 1,500 | $2,550 – $6,000 |
| 2,000 | $3,400 – $8,000 |
| 2,500 | $4,250 – $10,000 |
| 3,000 | $5,100 – $12,000 |
Cost by Insulation Material
Regarding insulation materials that can be blown in, these are the three most common choices: fiberglass, cellulose, and rockwool.
For insulation in existing walls, wet spray cellulose is typically used. Fiberglass, dense-pack cellulose, or rock wool are commonly employed in other parts of the home. These materials can be applied to both new homes and existing homes.
| Type of Blown-In Insulation Material | Cost per Square Foot (Material Only) |
| Fiberglass | $0.45 – $1.10 |
| Cellulose | $0.60 – $2.80 |
| Rock Wool | $1.30 – $2.20 |
Fiberglass
The cost of fiberglass blown-in insulation is $0.45 to $1.10 per square foot (for materials only).
Fiberglass insulation consists of glass fibers melted down into a paper-like material and recycled for reuse as insulation. It has a higher R-Value than some of the other materials.
Cellulose
Blown-in cellulose insulation is a great way to increase energy efficiency and keep energy bills low. The material cost is around $0.60 to $2.80 per square foot.
Cellulose is made up of recycled newsprint and other plant-based materials that are treated with various chemicals to make them fire retardant and resistant to insects, mold, and mildew.
There are two types of cellulose blown-in insulation:
- Wet-spray cellulose: This option costs $0.60 to $1.85 per square foot for the material alone. Wet-spray or damp-spray insulation is loose-fill cellulose, fire retardant, water, and adhesive sprayed into wall cavities before covering them with drywall. It works best in new construction.
- Dense-pack cellulose: This option costs $1.90 to $2.80 per square foot for the materials only. It is also called “drill and fill”, and is a method of blowing loose cellulose into wall cavities at high pressure. You must drill holes into each wall cavity to insert the insulation. This can be a cost-effective and minimally invasive option for older homes. Plus, dense-pack insulation is great for exterior walls.
Rockwool
On average, rock wool (also called mineral wool) costs about $1.30 to $2.20 per square foot for the materials alone. Rock wool is produced from rock, furnace slag, and other raw materials in a granular form that can be applied loosely to wall and ceiling cavities and attics.
Cost by Brand
The table below reflects the current costs of blown-in insulation from some of the most well-known brands:
| Insulation Brand | Price Per Square Foot (Material Only) |
| Greenfiber | $0.30 – $0.60 |
| Owens Corning | $0.30 – $0.60 |
| Applegate | $0.40 – $1.50 |
| American Rockwool | $1.75 – $2.50 |
| Nu-Wool | $1.30 – $3.00 |
- Greenfiber: This is a cost-effective brand that is made up of 85% recycled materials. Greenfiber’s products are made of cellulose and an eco-friendly alternative for environmentally-conscious homeowners looking to insulate their homes.
- Owens Corning: This brand makes all types of fiberglass products. One of their most popular is their AttiCat line of blown-in insulation. This expanding fiberglass is designed to fill cracks and crevices in many home areas and is self-feeding, minimizing contact with the user.
- Applegate: This brand offers quality, eco-friendly blown-in cellulose insulation materials that are highly affordable and safe. Applewood’s products contain at least 85% recycled content. They are treated as insect-resistant and flame-retardant, exceeding most state regulations for fire safety. They offer both dense-packed and damp-sprayed cellulose.
- American Rockwool: This brand specializes in rockwool blown-in insulation. American Rockwool is made from recycled blast furnace slag and trap rock, giving it the unique properties of being non-combustible, non-corrosive, and less likely to settle than other loose types of insulation.
- Nu-Wool: A brand that offers eco-friendly insulation options for DIY and professional installations. Nu-Wool has been a manufacturer of green products since 1949, making them an extremely trusted source for homeowners’ insulation needs, especially cellulose blown-in insulation.
Labor Costs
The cost of labor is an essential factor to consider when you’re looking to do a blown-in insulation job. Depending on the location, installers typically cost $40 to $72 per hour, or $.90 to $1.60 per square foot. This type of job can be time-consuming and involve insulating larger areas, which may require multiple days of work.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
If you choose to blow in insulation yourself, the major costs will be the materials and blower rental.
Generally, 10 to 20 bags of blown-in insulation can cover 1,000 square feet and will cost between $300 to $800. Machine rental costs between $100 and $150 per day and from $250 to $480 per week.
If you don’t have the tools and materials at home, like ShopVac (heavy duty work vacuum), safety goggles, and metal fire safety barriers, your total costs can climb up to $1,450, total. So, if you’ve never done this task before, it’s best to hire a professional.
Other Factors That Affect Cost
Several factors in your project can raise or lower the cost of blown-in insulation.
Household Area
Costs vary widely depending on the size of your home. Typically, insulating attics and crawl spaces costs more than insulating walls, because local building codes require the material to be thicker in those areas.
- Walls: Blown-in wall insulation is a cost-effective, efficient way to insulate wall spaces. The installation process involves forcing wet cellulose fibers through holes into the wall cavities using special equipment.
- Attics: Heat rises naturally, so in winter, all that warm air you’re paying to heat collects at the top of your house and tries to escape through the roof. The attic is the last barrier between your heated space and the cold outside air. In summer, it’s even worse; your roof absorbs intense direct sunlight all day, and that heat radiates down into your attic space, which can reach 130-150°F on a hot day.
- Crawl spaces: Installing blow-in insulation in a crawl space will typically cost around the same as doing it in an attic, as they both need a similar amount of material to complete insulate the space.
- Ductwork: Ductwork insulation is often an afterthought during the design and installation of ductwork systems, but it’s an important factor. Prices vary due to the many sizes and configurations of the ducts, their location, and their layout.
- Garages: Are you looking to raise the comfort level in your garage or to keep out the outdoor temperatures? The type of insulation best suited for a particular garage will depend on whether existing drywall is in place or if walls and ceiling are left exposed.
R-Value
R-value is a standard measure used to determine the effectiveness of insulation. An insulation’s R-value indicates its resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value number, the greater the heat resistance and the more effective the insulation.
Lower R-values are usually cheaper to install, and although they have lower insulating capacity, they can still be used in homes in warmer climates. On the other hand, high-density options (R-30 and higher) will cost you more, but they’re ideal for homes in colder regions.
Older Homes vs. New Home Construction
Blown-in insulation is an easy and cost-effective way to insulate an existing home. However, existing homes can only be insulated with wet spray cellulose, and it is usually more expensive to apply blown-in insulation in existing walls, as the job takes longer to complete.
Ways to Save on Blown-In Insulation
There are some ways to cut costs on blown-in insulation, but some savings may also reduce the long-term energy efficiency of your home. So, remember to balance what you save now with how much you may spend on heating and cooling later.
- Choose a budget-friendly material: Fiberglass is the most affordable option.
- Use a thinner layer (lower R-value): This will reduce costs, but also the energy efficiency, so only do this if you live in a temperate climate.
- Handle some prep work yourself: Remove old insulation, clear out debris, and make the space accessible before the pros arrive to lower labor costs.
- Choose a more affordable brand: Some brands offer lower-priced products that still meet building code and energy standards.
- Insulate only key areas first: If insulating the entire home isn’t in budget, focus on high-impact areas like attic floors or exterior walls.
FAQ
Blown-in cellulose insulation typically lasts 20 to 30 years due to its composition of recycled natural materials, whereas fiberglass materials have an even longer lifespan, as they don’t degrade over time.
When it comes to insulating your home, you can have too much of a good thing. In most parts of the United States, if you use blown-in insulation in your attic, an R-value of 38 is all you need. Going beyond this level can actually cause more harm than good.
It is not recommended to handle blown-in insulation with bare hands. Handling fiberglass insulation can lead to the release of tiny particles, which can get onto the skin and cause irritation and itching. Inhaling these particles can even result in more serious problems, such as coughing, nosebleeds, or respiratory distress.
Comfort Blown Right In
Blown-in insulation is one of the most effective ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency, reduce drafts, and make your living spaces more comfortable year-round.
If you’re ready to enjoy a cozier home and lower utility bills, Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled services and leave the rest to us.
Maria Isabela Reis contributed to this article.
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- How Much Does Attic Insulation Cost?
- How Much Does Batt and Roll Insulation Cost?
Main Image: Technician applying blown in attic insulation, covering floor between wooden joists. Image Credit: gen1607 / Adobe Stock
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