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To cover your HVAC ducts and air vents during construction, use plastic sheets or drop cloths secured with painter's tape. Be sure to cover all supply vents on your floors and walls, as well as the larger HVAC return vent, which is typically on the ceiling. While canvas drop cloths can also be used, they may not catch all the fine dust. It is crucial to shut off your HVAC system or at least the zone where construction is happening. Running the system with vents sealed can put significant strain on the blower motor and air handler. For additional dust containment, you can also hang plastic sheets over doorways to separate the construction area from the rest of your home.

On average, insulating an attic costs about $2,500, with a typical range of $1,500 to $3,500. The final price often depends on the attic's size, with costs generally falling between $1 to $3 per square foot. For example, insulating a 1,800-square-foot attic would likely cost between $1,800 and $5,400.

If the project involves removing old insulation, this can add an average of $900 to the total cost, bringing a full removal and reinsulation project to around $3,000.

Several factors influence the overall cost:

• Insulation Type: Prices per square foot vary significantly by material.

• Reflective: $0.50–$1.50

• Blown-in: $1–$4

• Batt: $2–$4

• Loose-fill: $2–$5

• Spray foam: $2–$5

• Structural insulated panels (SIPs): $4–$7

• Project Complexity: Factors like sealing air leaks, poor attic accessibility, and required inspections can add to the cost.

• Removal Issues: The discovery of mold, asbestos, or pests during the removal of old insulation can substantially increase the price.

Spray foam is a highly effective insulative material that can dramatically reduce your energy bills and create a more comfortable living space. It does have a couple of drawbacks, however. First and foremost, spray foam insulation is much more expensive than fiberglass batt insulation. In addition, spray foam insulation is a dangerous chemical material; this is a project that is best left to pros for proper and safe installation.

A vapor barrier keeps moisture out of the crawl space, while insulation reduces the amount of unconditioned air—and sometimes moisture—that enters the space. Coupling a vapor barrier with insulation can help prevent humidity and related moisture damage in a crawl space while also making your home more energy-efficient. Just be sure to use insulation that won’t get damaged from moisture, like rigid foam board or expanding spray foam insulation.