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Blown-In Insulation Cost in Chicago [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $1,099 - $2,273
The average cost of installing blown-in insulation in Chicago, IL, is $1,631, depending on the square footage and other cost factors.
How we get this data
Cost Insights
Blown-in insulation costs $1 to $3 per square foot on average in Chicago.
Chicago’s long, harsh winters often require higher R-values, which means higher costs.
Older Chicago homes may require air sealing or removal of old insulation before new blown-in insulation is installed.
Local permitting rules typically don’t apply to insulation alone, but updates to electrical or ventilation systems may require them.
Chicago’s older homes and long winter season make proper insulation especially important for maintaining comfort and managing energy use year-round. Blown-in insulation in Chicago typically costs around $1,631, with most projects falling within the range of $1,099 to $2,273. Your final cost depends on the size of the space, the type of insulation you choose, and the R-value needed to handle Chicago’s cold climate. Below is a breakdown of the components that contribute to the project's price.
Blown-In Insulation Cost Factors
The cost of blow-in insulation in Chicago, IL, depends on a few core variables, like how much space you’re insulating, the R-value you’re targeting, and the material you choose. Understanding each factor and its impact on price will make it easier to predict the cost of your project.
Size of the Area
The biggest cost factor is the size of the area that requires insulation. A larger area requires more insulation and labor, increasing the overall price. This metric is calculated by multiplying your square footage by the cost per square foot of your chosen insulation materials, which are detailed below. However, a general range for blown-in insulation per square foot is $1 to $3, depending on the type.
| Area in Square Feet | Blown-in Insulation Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 500 | $500–$1,400 |
| 1,000 | $1,000–$2,800 |
| 1,500 | $1,500–$4,200 |
R-Value
In Chicago, the R-value matters more than almost anything else because the winters are long, cold, and unforgiving. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation performs, which means the less heat you lose when the temperature drops into the single digits. Materials with higher R-values typically cost more up front, but they can save you money on your energy costs.
Below is a breakdown of R-values and the corresponding prices:
| R-Value | Number of Bags per 1,000 sq. ft. | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| R-13–R-2 | 7–10 | Fine for mild upgrades, but too low for most Chicago homes. | $230–$330 |
| R-30–R-49 | 15–20 | A common range for older Chicago homes; provides solid performance for most seasons but may fall short in deep winter. | $500–$1,250 |
| R-38–R-49 | 20–26 | A good option for most Chicago homes, providing a nice balance of cost and efficiency. | $1,000–$1,450 |
| R-49–R-60 | 26–32 | Ideal for Chicago’s harsh winters and energy savings in older homes with heat loss issues. | $1,450–$1,950 |
Type of Insulation
The cost to install blown-in insulation depends on the type of insulation you choose for the project. Anticipate spending anywhere between $0.50 and $2.20 per square foot for materials, not including installation. Below is a breakdown of each blown-in material type and how much it costs.
| Type of Blown-In Insulation | R-Value per Inch | Average Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass | 2.5 to 3.5 | $0.50–$1 |
| Wet-spray cellulose | 3.2 to 3.7 | $0.70–$1.60 |
| Dense-pack cellulose | 3.2 to 3.7 | $1.80–$2.20 |
| Rockwool | 3.0 to 3.7 | $1.40–$2 |
| Natural wool | 3.5 to 3.8 | $1.80–$2.80 |
Blown-In Insulation Pro Costs
Hiring an insulation pro in Chicago comes with its own set of cost factors beyond the insulation itself. Labor rates, permit requirements, and local taxes all influence the final price. Here’s what you can expect when budgeting for a blown-in insulation project in the Windy City.
Labor
Chicago labor for blown-in insulation typically ranges from $75 to $150 per hour, depending on the crew size and the difficulty of accessing the space. If workers have to navigate a cramped entry, work around electrical lines, or dense-pack old walls, you’ll likely pay at the higher end of that spectrum.
Permits
Chicago typically doesn’t require a permit for adding blow-in insulation unless the work is tied to ventilation, electrical adjustments, or a broader renovation. When needed, permits run $75 to $200.
Insurance and Licensing
Reputable Chicago insulation companies carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation, and many hold a home repair or general contractor license through the city. These overhead costs often show up in their labor rates, especially for attic work involving wiring, ladders, and tight spaces, but they help protect your home and wallet from unexpected damage.
Taxes
Chicago applies a 10.25% sales tax to materials. Labor isn’t taxed, so these taxes only apply to the insulation itself. It’s a good idea to make sure your estimate only taxes the materials to avoid paying unnecessary fees.
Does New Blown-In Insulation Increase Home Value?
Adding blown-in insulation is a worthwhile upgrade in Chicago because it improves efficiency and helps older homes hold heat during the long winter season. It likely won’t dramatically change your home’s market value on its own, but it can make the home more comfortable and lower utility costs, which appeals to most buyers.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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