If your home feels like it can never quite cool down in summer — or if your electric bills seem higher than they should be — your attic insulation may be the culprit. In Texas, where summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, attic temperatures can reach 150°F or more. Without adequate insulation, that heat radiates directly into your living space, forcing your AC to work overtime.

The good news: upgrading your attic insulation is one of the most cost-effective home improvements you can make. Most homeowners see a return on investment within 3–5 years through lower energy bills.

Why the Attic Matters So Much in Texas

Heat moves from hot areas to cool ones. In summer, your attic absorbs enormous amounts of solar heat through the roof. Without proper insulation, that heat transfers into your ceiling and then into your living space below.

Your air conditioner then has to remove all of that heat to maintain your set temperature — running longer, working harder, and consuming more electricity. Proper attic insulation acts as a thermal barrier, slowing that heat transfer and reducing the load on your AC.

In winter, the same principle applies in reverse: insulation keeps the heat you've paid to generate inside your home instead of letting it escape through the ceiling.

What's the Right R-Value for Texas?

R-value measures insulation's resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation. For attics in Central Texas (Climate Zone 2–3), the Department of Energy recommends R-38 to R-60 for attic insulation.

Many older Texas homes have R-11 to R-19 — well below current recommendations. If your home was built before 1990, there's a good chance your attic insulation is inadequate by today's standards.

Types of Attic Insulation

Blown-In Fiberglass or Cellulose

The most common choice for attic upgrades. Blown-in insulation fills gaps and irregular spaces effectively, achieving consistent coverage across the entire attic floor. It's fast to install and cost-effective.

Spray Foam

Applied to the underside of the roof deck (creating a "hot roof" assembly) or to the attic floor. Spray foam provides an excellent air seal in addition to insulation value, which is particularly beneficial in leaky older homes. It costs more than blown-in but delivers superior performance.

Batt Insulation

Fiberglass or mineral wool batts are sometimes used in attics with regular joist spacing. They're less effective than blown-in at filling gaps but are a good option in certain applications.

Air Sealing: The Step Most Homeowners Miss

Before adding insulation, it's critical to seal air leaks in the attic floor — around light fixtures, plumbing penetrations, HVAC chases, and the attic hatch. Air leaks can account for 25–40% of heating and cooling energy loss in a typical home.

Adding insulation over unsealed leaks is like putting a blanket over a screen door. We always address air sealing before or during insulation upgrades.

What to Expect During an Insulation Upgrade

A typical attic insulation upgrade takes one day. Our crew will:

1. Inspect the existing insulation and identify air leaks
2. Seal all penetrations and bypasses with foam or caulk
3. Install baffles at the eaves to maintain proper ventilation
4. Blow in new insulation to the recommended depth
5. Clean up and leave your attic better than we found it

Federal Tax Credits for Insulation

Under current federal tax law, qualifying insulation upgrades may be eligible for a tax credit of up to 30% of the cost (capped at $1,200 per year). Ask us about current eligibility when you call.

Cory Butts Electric & AC LLC serves Lampasas, Burnet, Llano, Marble Falls, and surrounding communities. Call or text 512-556-6818 to schedule a free attic assessment.