The calculator
Run the do i need new insulation? quiz
Each question is a signal we look for when assessing whether new insulation is worthwhile. The quiz scores them, weighted by how strong each signal is, and gives you a tiered recommendation. We'd rather tell you to wait than sell you something you don't need.
Eight quick yes/no questions
Answer each one honestly. Yes/No only.
According to the Department of Energy, “adequate insulation and air sealing can reduce heating and cooling costs by 10% to 20% in typical homes.”
How this works
How does the do i need new insulation? quiz work?
Each question scores 0 (no) or 1 (yes) × a weight. Strong signals (pre-1990 home, visible <10" insulation) score 2.0; medium signals (climbing bills, rodent damage) score 1.5; soft signals (comfort issues, HVAC runtime) score 1.0. The Climate Zone 5B question is a prerequisite — if "No", the calculator falls outside its calibration range. Expected stay (q8) modulates the final score; if "No", the score halves to reflect that payback gets harder under 3-year horizons.
Tier breaks: 6+ = strong candidate; 3-5.99 = worth a free quote; under 3 = probably wait. Calibrated against typical Denver-metro retrofit project economics as of May 2026.
According to the Building Performance Institute, “BPI-certified energy auditors use blower door testing to measure air infiltration in CFM50, with most pre-1990 homes registering 2-4x the leakage of modern construction.”
Get a quote
Get a Quote Based on Your Numbers
30 seconds to fill out. We'll send your inputs along with the quote request so the contractor knows what you've already calculated.
We've Got It. Here's What Happens Next.
We've got your info. A local pro is reviewing it now. Expect a call within a few hours, or by tomorrow at the latest. While you wait, here's what to look for in the quote you receive: (1) R-value target — current Colorado code is R-49 to R-60 for attics, anything less is under-spec. (2) Air sealing scope — insulation alone does nothing if air leaks aren't sealed first. (3) Rebate handling — Xcel rebate paperwork should be handled for you, not by you. (The federal IRA Section 25C credit expired in 2025 and Colorado HEAR closed for the Front Range — Xcel programs are now the active rebate stack.) (4) Removal scope — pre-1990 homes often need old insulation removed before new install. If a quote skips all four, get another quote.
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According to the ENERGY STAR, “air sealing alone — before insulation upgrades — can reduce energy bills by up to 15% in older homes.”
Frequently asked
What do Denver homeowners ask about this calculator?
Should I use this calculator if my home was built after 2010?
Possibly — but interpret the output cautiously. Post-2010 Denver homes were built to recent code, so most calculator scenarios assume pre-1990 baselines and may overstate the project value for newer homes. If your bills are normal and your comfort is fine, the honest answer is usually: hold the money. The 10-15 year mark is when even code-compliant homes start showing settled batts.
Do you handle new construction insulation?
We focus on retrofit insulation for existing Denver homes. New construction insulation typically goes through your general contractor or builder, and the process is different — pricing structures, code compliance steps, and project timing all work differently for new builds. If you're working on a new build, we can refer you to a partner with new-construction experience.
What if I scored low but think I need insulation anyway?
Scoring low means the signals we look for aren't present in your home. But you know your home better than an 8-question quiz can. If you have specific concerns (one cold room, recent moisture event, planned HVAC replacement), request a free in-home estimate anyway — the contractor walks the attic and gives a direct read in 15 minutes.
Why does this quiz sometimes say no?
Because not every home needs new insulation. Post-2010 builds with normal bills and good comfort usually don't. Selling someone something they don't need is the worst outcome — both for the homeowner (wasted money) and for trust in the broader contractor industry. The quiz is built to disqualify when disqualification is the right answer.
If I'm planning to sell soon, is insulation still worth it?
Usually no. Payback typically runs 18-36 months in Denver; if you're selling in under 3 years, you don't recoup the project cost via energy savings. The buyer captures most of the benefit. Unless you're using insulation as a pre-listing comfort fix or to address a known inspection issue, focus your money on higher-ROI pre-sale moves.
Can I retake the quiz?
Yes — it's stateless. Refresh the page and re-answer if your situation changed (new energy bill spike, comfort issue, planning a major project). Saving inputs to a profile would require an account system; for now, retaking is the workflow.