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 ENERGY STAR's Seal and Insulate program, “EPA estimates that homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs (or an average of 11% on total energy costs) by air sealing their homes and adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces and basements.”
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 International Energy Conservation Code, the 2021 IECC sets a minimum ceiling insulation R-value of R-60 in Climate Zone 5 under Table R402.1.3, and Section R402.2.1 allows R-49 to satisfy that requirement only where the full height of uncompressed R-49 insulation extends over the wall top plate at the eaves.
Get a quote
Get a Quote Based on Your Numbers
We've Got It. Here's What Happens Next.
We've got your info and are routing it to a local pro. When they call, here's what to look for in the quote you receive: (1) R-value target — the 2021 IECC sets a ceiling minimum of R-60 in Climate Zone 5 (Table R402.1.3); R-49 qualifies only where uncompressed insulation extends full-height over the top plate at the eaves. (2) Air sealing scope — insulation and air sealing work together; sealing the leaks first is what lets the insulation do its job. If a quote skips both, get another quote. The federal IRA Section 25C tax credit ended December 31, 2025, and Colorado's HEAR single-family program is now closed for both Region 1 (the Front Range) and Region 2. Xcel Energy programs are the ones still paying on Denver-area insulation projects in 2026.
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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 the code edition in force at the time, which set a lower ceiling minimum than the R-60 the 2021 IECC requires — so a newer home can be code-legal as built and still sit short of today's target. 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 — most were permitted under a ceiling minimum below today's R-60, but sitting short of the current target is not the same as having a problem worth paying to fix. 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 on a Denver retrofit runs years, not months — run your own numbers on the calculator above; 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.