Should you remove old insulation before adding new insulation?

• <div><p>You do not always need to remove old insulation before adding new. If the existing insulation is in good condition—not wet, physically damaged, moldy, or infested with pests—you can add new insulation directly on top of it for a compounding effect. You can also mix different types, such as adding blown-in insulation around existing fiberglass batts.</p><p>However, removal is recommended if the old insulation is compromised by water damage or pests. You should also remove it if you plan to install a different type of insulation, like switching from roll or batt insulation to spray foam. If the existing insulation is very old or damaged, you will likely get more benefit from removing it and starting fresh.</p></div>

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Q: Is a radiant barrier worth it?

• <div><p>A radiant barrier is a form of insulation topped with a reflective material designed to keep homes cool during hotter months. It is generally considered worth the investment if you live in a hot, sunny climate, as the cost can be recouped over time through lower energy bills. Installation costs typically range from $0.10 to $1 per square foot. After installation, homeowners in warm climates may save between $7 and $15 per month, potentially reducing their electric bill by 5% to 10%. The exact savings will vary depending on your location and the type of barrier chosen.</p></div>

Q: Is doubling up insulation a good idea?

• <div><p>Doubling the insulation in your home also doubles the R-value of said insulation. In other words, by adding more insulation, you can reduce the heat loss by half. Most homes benefit from increasing insulation. Older homes, in particular tend to have less insulation as is, so doubling your insulation could drastically reduce your energy bills, keep your home more comfortable, and take the strain off your HVAC system.</p></div>

Q: What’s the most cost-effective way to insulate windows?

• <div><p>If you have bubble wrap lying around the house and you don&rsquo;t care about the odd look, taping bubble wrap over a window is a very affordable way to insulate it. Another inexpensive option for insulating windows is to add new caulk around the glass. This step quickly cuts down on air drafts for older windows, and a tube of caulk only costs a few dollars. Adding plastic shrink film around the glass is another cost-effective option. You can purchase a kit of plastic film for a few dollars per window.</p></div>

Q: Do chimney liners need insulation?

• <div><p>Chimney liners often benefit from insulation, though it is not always required. Insulation helps improve the liner's efficiency by keeping flue gasses hotter, which enhances draft and reduces creosote buildup. It also prevents condensation, which can lead to corrosion. Insulation is important for chimneys on exterior walls or in colder climates. Some building codes may require insulation, so checking local regulations is essential.</p></div>

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BluSky NM Drywall Lath & Plaster Inc

4.8(

249

)

Serving Penasco, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 1994

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

BluSky NM is licensed, bonded, and insured. \nWe have been in business since 1994 and pride ourselves in over 16 years of certified experience and creativity in new construction, complete drywall, and as a re-stucco specialist.

Recommended by98%of homeowners

Serving Penasco, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Free estimates

Warranties offered

ADT Solar is one of the leading providers of rooftop solar panel systems in the United States. We have a mission to bring clean and affordable energy to power homes across the nation. ADT Solar designs, installs, and maintains solar panels on residential and commercial properties. The ADT Solar difference is our ability to provide customers with a phenomenal experience and partner with industry-leading products to deliver the best options to go solar. \nOur reputation precedes us and we were most recently ranked #2 for 2021 Solar Power World’s Magazine Top Residential Solar Installer in the United States.

Recommended by89%of homeowners

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American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,688

)

Serving Penasco, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

We are the nation’s leader in home warranties. \n• Our job is to help homeowners keep their covered systems and appliances running by minimizing costs and risk. \n• We provide affordable protection against breakdowns due to normal wear and tear, along with reliable repairs from the nation’s largest network of independent, pre-screened home service professionals. \n• We assign contractors to a job within 15 minutes or less, 90% of the time. If a covered item is not repairable, we’ll cover its replacement. \n• We accept and pay more claims than any other home warranty company in the nation. That’s added up to $3 billion over the last 10 years. \n• We have more than 10,000 service contractors in their network.\n• We are there to take your service calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Recommended by65%of homeowners

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Hampton Enterprise LLC

3.7(

)

Serving Penasco, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Our mission at Hampton Enterprise LLC is to provide clients with superior customer service, quality work and speedy service in all aspects of their home improvement needs. Licensed, insured and trusted since 1989; come discover the Hampton difference today!\n\nWe specialize in the installation and repair of Windows, Doors, Flooring, Sinks, Bathtubs, Showers, Sprinkler Systems and much more. We also offer Interior and Exterior Home Painting, Custom Welding Fabrication and Carpentry.Localy in your area just call and i will call back with a local number thank you . from James Hampton\n\nAL.Dothan 334-648-3817,\nAL Birmingham 334-648-3817,\nAL Huntsville 334-648-3817,\nAL Mobile 334-648-3817,\nAL Tuscaloosa 334-648-3817,\nAL Montgomery 334-578-4761,\nAR Little Rock 334-648-3817,\nAZ Phoenix 334-648-3817,\nCA LosAngeles/Sacramento 334-648-3817,\nCO Denver/Colorado Springs 334-648-3817,\nCT Hartford 334-648-3817,\nDE Dover 334-648-3817,\nFL Tallahassee 334-648-3817,\nFL Cape Canaveral/ Cocoa 334-648-3817,\nFL. Destin 334-648-3817,\nFL Gainsville 334-648-3817\nFl Jacksonville 334-648-3817,\nFL Orlando 334-648-3817,\nFL Panama City 334-648-3817,\nFL Tampa 334-648-3817,\nFL Miami 334-648-3817,\nGA Atlanta 334-648-3817,\nGA Albany 334-648-3817,\nGA Augusta 334-648-3817,\nGA Columbus 334-648-3817,\nGA Macon 334-648-3817,\nGA Valdosta 334-648-3817,\nIA Des Moines 334-648-3817,\nID Boise 334-648-3817,\nIL Chicago/Springfield 334-648-3817,\nIN Indianapolis 334-648-3817,\nKS Levenworth/Topeka 334-648-3817,\nKY Frankfort 334-648-3817,\nLA New orleans/Baton Rouge 334-648-3817,\nMA Boston 334-648-3817,\nMD Annapolis 334-648-3817,\nME Augusta 334-648-3817,\nMI Detroit/Lansing 334-648-3817,\nMN Saint Paul 334-648-3817,\nMO kansas City/Jefferson City 334-648-3817,\nMS Jackson 334-648-3817,\nMS Biloxi 334-648-3817,\nMS Gulf Port 334-648-3817,\nMT helena 334-648-3817,\nNC Raleigh 334-648-3817,\nND Bismark 334-648-3817,\nNE Lincoln 334-648-3817, \nNJ Trenton 334-648-3817,\nNM Santa Fe 334-648-3817,\nNV Carson City 334-648-3817,\nNV Las Vegas 334-648-3817\nNY Albany 334-648-3817,\nOH Columbus 334-648-3817,\nOK Oklahoma Ciy 334-648-3817,\nOR Salem 334-648-3817,\nPA harrisburg 334-648-3817,\nRI Providence 334-648-3817,\nSC Columbia 334-648-3817,\nSD Pierre 334-648-3817,\nTN nashville 334-648-3817,\nTX Austin 334-648-3817,\nUT Salt Lake City 334-648-3817,\nVA Richmond 334-648-3817,\nVT montpelier 334-648-3817,\nWI Madison 334-648-3817,\nWV Charleston 334-648-3817,\nWY Cheyenne 334-648-3817

Recommended by60%of homeowners

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Insulation questions, answered by experts

You do not always need to remove old insulation before adding new. If the existing insulation is in good condition—not wet, physically damaged, moldy, or infested with pests—you can add new insulation directly on top of it for a compounding effect. You can also mix different types, such as adding blown-in insulation around existing fiberglass batts.

However, removal is recommended if the old insulation is compromised by water damage or pests. You should also remove it if you plan to install a different type of insulation, like switching from roll or batt insulation to spray foam. If the existing insulation is very old or damaged, you will likely get more benefit from removing it and starting fresh.

A radiant barrier is a form of insulation topped with a reflective material designed to keep homes cool during hotter months. It is generally considered worth the investment if you live in a hot, sunny climate, as the cost can be recouped over time through lower energy bills. Installation costs typically range from $0.10 to $1 per square foot. After installation, homeowners in warm climates may save between $7 and $15 per month, potentially reducing their electric bill by 5% to 10%. The exact savings will vary depending on your location and the type of barrier chosen.

Doubling the insulation in your home also doubles the R-value of said insulation. In other words, by adding more insulation, you can reduce the heat loss by half. Most homes benefit from increasing insulation. Older homes, in particular tend to have less insulation as is, so doubling your insulation could drastically reduce your energy bills, keep your home more comfortable, and take the strain off your HVAC system.

If you have bubble wrap lying around the house and you don’t care about the odd look, taping bubble wrap over a window is a very affordable way to insulate it. Another inexpensive option for insulating windows is to add new caulk around the glass. This step quickly cuts down on air drafts for older windows, and a tube of caulk only costs a few dollars. Adding plastic shrink film around the glass is another cost-effective option. You can purchase a kit of plastic film for a few dollars per window.

Chimney liners often benefit from insulation, though it is not always required. Insulation helps improve the liner's efficiency by keeping flue gasses hotter, which enhances draft and reduces creosote buildup. It also prevents condensation, which can lead to corrosion. Insulation is important for chimneys on exterior walls or in colder climates. Some building codes may require insulation, so checking local regulations is essential.

The Penasco, NM homeowners’ guide to insulation services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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