what are the cheapest ways to insulate an old house?

Question

I have a home that was built in 1880 and the winter power bills are very high and need to find a cheap solution until we can afford to reside. Thanks

Answer 1

Find a reputable company and have insulation blown in the attic, and in the walls between the studs. Maybe your state will even give you a credit to help defray some of the cost.

Make sure you have a written agreement, stating the cost, clean-up, the "R" factor they will guarantee, and the appearance of the interior and exteriot walls after they finish the job.

Answer 2

Yup, blown insulation is the best way. There is both loose fill and expanding foam. You should also go around the outside of the house and look for small opening. Those should be filled with either caulk or expanding spray foam from a can. Pay special attention to the areas where the house meets the foundation. Replace old, worn door seals. Check your attic or crawl space. Adding an extra layer of insulation up there is one of the best tips to stop heat loss.

Answer 3

There are several things that one can do to save on their power bills. Below is a list of many items to consider:

1) Wrap the water heater with a fiberglass insulation blanket.
2) Wrap the hot and cold water lines to the water heater with pipe wrap.
3) Check under the sinks (typically around the plumbing penetrations) for gaps. Fill or caulk the gaps.
4) Replace the weather-stripping on the exterior doors if there is light coming through.
5) If you have those old wooden frame windows; replace the glazing (the caulking between the glass and the wood frames that holds the glass in) that is cracked or has fallen out.
6) Install new shower-heads and faucet aerators.
7) Install attic access weatherstripping around the attic hatch (use open cell foam tape).
8) Install thick curtains or blinds over all of the windows.
9) Replace all old incandescent light bulbs with the new energy efficient compact florescent light (CFL) bulbs.

I hope that this helps.

Answer 4

I'm not sure yet,,, but I am having insulation blown into my attic soon,, the salesman is coming to give me a price Tuesday,,, I will sure know if it is expensive on not then. I also installed a new 90% efficient furnace this summer to offset the high cost of gas this winter,,, I paid $2,800 for the furnace installation,, You might consider looking for any air leak into the house and seal them,, especially around electrical outlets,, they make gaskets that you put behind the outlet and switch covers to seal them, hope this helps.. Good luck to you

Answer 5

Add insulation to the attic and replace the windows. Or at least seal them with cheap pealable caulk until spring.

Answer 6

I don't think there are cheap solution, unless you plan on stacking hay bails around your house that you grew yourself. The least expensive solution may be to have cellulose material blown in through holes drilled in the sides of your house.

Answer 7

have insulation blown in the stud spaces you'll also qualify for a tax break on your irs form bringing the cost way down

Answer 8

buy a truck load of wood chips and mulch and pour it down the walls and in in the attic along with newspapers

Answer 9

Stuff the walls with newspaper and cover with cardboard...this will help until you get extra money to do the job right...

Answer 10

Wrap it in vinyl siding.