Learn the key factors that influence the cost of renting a blown-in insulation machine.
Blown-In Insulation Cost in Charlotte [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $896 - $1,937
The average cost of installing blown-in insulation in Charlotte, NC is $1,417, depending on the square footage and other cost factors.
How we get this data
Cost Insights
Blown-in insulation costs in Charlotte are 13% less than the national average.
Follow specific R-value guidance for Charlotte homes.
Your attics, walls, and floors all have different R-values to abide by.
You likely don’t need a permit for insulation in Charlotte, but budget for a 7.25% sales tax.
Blown-in insulation can reduce the average Charlotte home’s utility bills by $22 a month.
Blown-in insulation costs in Charlotte are roughly 13% less than the national average. This is in keeping with the overall cost of living in Charlotte, which is just below the national average. The typical Charlotte homeowner will spend between $896 and $1,937 on blown-in insulation, though the average price is about $1,417.
Blown-In Insulation Cost Factors
Several factors impact blown-in insulation prices in Charlotte, NC, including the size of the area being insulated, the R-value required (this varies in North Carolina depending on which part of your home you’re insulating), and the type of blown-in insulation.
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 $1.50 to $6.50 depending on the type.
| Area in Square Feet | Blown-in Insulation Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 500 | $750–$3,250 |
| 1,000 | $1,500–$6,500 |
| 1,500 | $2,250–$9,750 |
R-Value
When measuring the efficacy of any insulation material, it all boils down to the R-value. Generally speaking, higher is better, though there are two metrics to consider. There’s the overall R-value and the per-inch R-value. For example, if you want a total R-value of 30, you’ll need ten inches of insulation at an R-value of 3.0 per inch. Materials with higher R-values cost more, like sheep’s wool, but you don’t need as much material to complete the installation.
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-21 | 7–10 | This is the ideal R-value for walls and floors in Charlotte. | $200–$290 |
| R-30–R-49 | 15–20 | This R-value range isn’t recommended for Charlotte homes. | $435–$1,400 |
| R-38–R-49 | 20–26 | This is the ideal R-value for attic insulation in Charlotte (on the low end). | $1,125–$1,400 |
| R-49–R-60 | 26–32 | This is the ideal R-value for attic insulation in Charlotte (on the high end). | $1,400–$1,750 |
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 $0.45 and $2.00 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 | $0.45 to $0.95 |
| Wet-spray cellulose | 3.2 to 3.7 | $0.50 to $1.55 |
| Dense-pack cellulose | 3.2 to 3.7 | $1.75 to $2.00 |
| Rockwool | 3.0 to 3.7 | $1.20 to $1.85 |
| Natural wool | 3.5 to 3.8 | $1.30 to $2.70 |
Blown-In Insulation Pro Costs
Labor makes up a good portion of the overall cost to install blown-in insulation in Charlotte, but luckily, you probably won’t need to budget for permits. That said, you will need to factor in sales tax.
Permits
Mecklenburg County says residential projects don’t require a permit if the cost is less than $40,000. There are exceptions, however, so if your insulation installation is part of a larger project, such as a major plumbing or electrical redesign, you’ll need to obtain a permit. The Charlotte insulation company you hire can advise.
Taxes
In North Carolina, you’ll owe state and local sales tax on any repair, maintenance, and installation services. Given North Carolina’s 4.75% sales tax, Mecklenburg County’s 2% sales tax, and a 0.5% special sales tax rate, your project will include 7.25% in taxes.
Does New Blown-In Insulation Increase Home Value?
Yes, blown-in insulation can increase your home’s value. If you can demonstrate to buyers that you’ve recently installed the insulation and a notable change in your energy bills, they might be more compelled to make an offer, and at a higher price.
While you likely can’t increase the asking price of your home by the total amount you spent to install blown-in insulation in Charlotte, you should be able to recoup some of the investment. Plus, before you sell, you’ll enjoy reduced energy costs yourself. On average, insulation saves 15% on energy bills. The average cost of utilities in Charlotte is $145; a 15% reduction would take that bill to $123, or $22 in monthly savings.
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 extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on 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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