Learn the key factors that influence the cost of renting a blown-in insulation machine.
Blown-In Insulation Cost in Austin [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $917 - $2,100
The average cost of installing blown-in insulation in Austin, TX is $1,505, depending on the square footage and other cost factors.
How we get this data
Cost Insights
With Austin homeowners paying 5% below the national average for blown-in insulation, this can be a cost-effective way to lower energy bills and boost home value.
Lower R-values needed make this update affordable for homeowners.
Insulation has become more important in Austin amid rising energy costs and a city mandate requiring all homes to have air conditioners.
For homeowners seeking to increase efficiency and energy savings with this project, the average blown-in insulation cost in Austin is $1,505. Overall, Austin homeowners might pay between $917 and $2,100 to get it done professionally. With Austin's average cost for new blow-in insulation around 5% less than the national average, the return on investment can be strong. Final costs can vary based on factors such as the size of your home, the R-value chosen, and the level of access your contractor has to your attic or wall space.
Blown-In Insulation Cost Factors
Blown-in insulation cost in Austin largely comes down to the size of the space you're insulating. When you hire an Austin blown-in insulation contractor, they'll spend time discussing things like R-value and the different types of insulation materials available to Austin homeowners.
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 $1.45 to $6 depending on the type.
| Area in Square Feet | Blown-in Insulation Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 500 | $725–$3,000 |
| 1,000 | $1,450–$6,000 |
| 1,500 | $2,175–$9,000 |
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 | Ideal for Austin attics | $225–$235 |
| R-30–R-49 | 15–20 | Ideal for Austin attics | $475–$1,520 |
| R-38–R-49 | 20–26 | Not common Austin | $1,235–$1,520 |
| R-49–R-60 | 26–32 | Too thick for Austin | $1,520–$1,900 |
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 $3 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 $1 |
| Wet-spray cellulose | 3.2 to 3.7 | $0.50 to $1.70 |
| Dense-pack cellulose | 3.2 to 3.7 | $1.55 to $1.70 |
| Rockwool | 3.0 to 3.7 | $1.90 to $2 |
| Natural wool | 3.5 to 3.8 | $1.30 to $3 |
Blown-In Insulation Pro Costs
The pro you hire to install your new blown-in insulation in Austin has to factor in labor costs and the amount of materials needed when giving you a quote. In general, labor accounts for 40% to 50% of the cost of blown-in insulation.
Local Labor
Most Austin insulation installation contractors near you charge between $1.90 and $2 per square foot for labor alone. This takes into account things like insurance, licensing costs, and the number of workers needed to get the job done based on home size.
Permits
Adding insulation to your Austin home generally requires a permit. Any insulation combined with new electrical, plumbing, or HVAC system installations in Austin may require multiple permits to comply with all building codes. Base fees for permits start at $106.72. From there, expect your permits to total between $75 and $150.
Taxes
Austin's 8.2% combined sales tax applies to any insulation materials purchased for your project. Your contractor will add this cost on top of raw material charges when billing you.
Licensing
While Texas doesn't have licensing requirements for contractors, any contractor you hire to perform work on your home in Austin must be registered and licensed through the City of Austin. A contractor won't be able to obtain permits without this step. Fees associated with registering range from $115 to $300.
Insurance
Contractors in Austin must show proof of insurance and bonding to obtain licensing. Overall, Austin contractors are paying $40 to $99 per month for premiums.
Does New Blown-In Insulation Increase Home Value?
Any home improvement that boosts energy efficiency and lowers energy bills in Austin can increase home value—and that includes adding high-quality blown-in insulation. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that improving insulation and sealing can save homeowners up to 30% on heating and cooling bills per year. A recent mandate requiring air conditioning in every home in Austin is only increasing the focus on good insulation. With Austin energy rates increasing annually, having a home with energy bills that are low compared to similar properties can potentially reduce a home's time on the market.
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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