As you think of upgrading your home’s insulation or adding new insulation to a new building project, consider batt insulation. Batt insulation (also known as blanket insulation) is one of the most common ways to insulate your home or building project. One of the most popular types of batt insulation is fiberglass, made of small glass fibers. It helps slow heat transfer and improves energy efficiency in new and old homes.
Batt insulation comes in flexible, precut panels or rolls designed to fit snugly between wall studs, floor joists, and ceiling rafters. Some batts come with a paper or foil facing that serves as a vapor barrier, depending on the climate. Others are unfaced and can be layered for added R-value. Let’s explore why batt insulation may be the right choice for your Tennessee home.
How Batt Insulation Works (R-Value and Performance)
Insulation works by slowing heat transfer, keeping warm air inside during the winter and cool air inside during the summer. The effectiveness of insulation is measured by its R-value, which indicates its resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation’s performance or insulating power.
Here are some common R-values for batt insulation:
- Fiberglass batt insulation typically provides R-3 to R-3.5 per inch of thickness.
- A3½-inch thick fiberglass batt (for a 2×4 wall) offers around R-13.
- A5½-inch batt (for a 2×6 wall) provides R-19 to R-21.
The recommended R-value of insulation you’ll need varies by where it’s installed and your climate zone. Batts can be layered to achieve higher R-values but compressing them can reduce their effectiveness. To maximize your insulation’s performance, whether you are a homeowner or builder, you should select the correct thickness for framing cavities or opt for higher-density options.
Benefits of Batt Insulation
Lower Energy Bills
Batt insulation offers excellent thermal resistance, reducing the workload on your heating and air conditioning systems. Less stress on your HVAC unit means less energy being used and lower energy bills.
According to ENERGY STAR, properly insulating and sealing your home can lead to an average of 15% savings on your heating and cooling costs per year. Ultimately, your insulation pays for itself over time through your energy savings.
Improved Comfort
Installing batt insulation, along with air sealing, helps your home maintain stable indoor temperatures, keeping you comfortable all year long. In fact, the Department of Energy promotes the installation of insulation and air sealing as one of the fastest ways to increase your home’s comfort.
Noise Reduction
Fiberglass batt insulation is highly effective at absorbing sound waves, reducing noise between rooms and from the outside, creating a more peaceful home environment for you and your family or future residents.
Moisture and Air Quality Control
When combined with air sealing, batt insulation helps limit outside moisture from entering walls, reducing the risk of condensation and mold growth. It also helps keep pollen, dust, and insects out of your home.
Cost-Effective Upgrade
It’s great to know that batt insulation is also one of the most cost-effective insulation solutions for your home or building project. It’s relatively affordable and easy to install, making it a great option for DIYers (although professional installation is always preferred to ensure proper installation and effectiveness). Your upfront costs are often paid back by your energy savings in only a few short years.
Rebates and Incentives for Insulation (2025)
As a Tennessee homeowner or builder, if you plan to install batt insulation in 2025, be sure to take advantage of the various incentives available to you.
TVA EnergyRight Home Insulation Rebates
Our local electric company, TVA, offers $500 rebates for attic insulation upgrades and $300 rebates for wall insulation upgrades when you use a TVA-approved contractor. Check out the TVA EnergyRight website for application details.
Federal Tax Credit for Insulation
As part of the federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), homeowners can apply for the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit when they upgrade their home’s energy efficiency. The tax credit covers 30% of your insulation material costs (up to $1,200 per year). You can reuse this credit yearly through 2032 and it can be combined with other energy upgrade credits.
Builder Incentives
Builders can take advantage of the IRA too with expanded credits for energy-efficient homes. New energy-efficient single-family homes may qualify for $2,500 or $5,000 tax credits. Because homes must meet Energy Star or Zero Energy Ready home criteria to receive the credits, partnering with a trusted insulation contractor is important. Ensuring proper installation will guarantee you meet your energy efficiency goals and qualify for every valuable incentive.
Upcoming Tennessee Home Efficiency Rebates (2025)
Federal funds have been allocated for our state’s Home Energy Rebate Programs in the amount of $83,708,676. Expected rebates for residential energy efficiency upgrades will range from $2,000-$8,000 based on income and the amount of energy that’s saved. Don’t miss out on your chance to claim your piece of the energy upgrade pie. Be wary of contractors that claim to offer these rebates before their official launch date.
Weatherization Assistance Program (Low-Income)
Tennessee’s weatherization program provides free insulation and air sealing upgrades for qualifying households and is available in all 95 Tennessee counties. This program focuses primarily on the elderly, disabled, and families with children.
Installation You Can Count On
Batt insulation acts as a thermal blanket for your home or building project, reducing heat transfer and increasing energy efficiency. Not only does it remain effective over time, but it provides soundproofing benefits and helps control indoor moisture levels too.
But proper installation is the key to maximizing the benefits of batt insulation. Hayes Insulation is the company that Nashville builders and homeowners count on for top-quality installation and service.
With current rebates and incentives available, now is the perfect time to upgrade your insulation or start fresh. Whether you’re considering batt insulation for an existing home or new construction, our expert team can help you choose the best solution. Contact us today to find out how batt insulation offers long-term savings and comfort for your home or building project!
References
U.S. Department of Energy – Types of Insulation (Energy Saver) energy.gov; energy.gov
ENERGY STAR – Attic Insulation Guide energystar.gov; energystar.gov
Oak Ridge National Lab – Insulation Fact Sheet web.ornl.gov
ENERGY STAR – Why Seal and Insulate? energystar.gov energystar.gov
U.S. DOE – Why Energy Efficiency Matters energy.gov
U.S. EPA – Methodology for Home Savings (Seal & Insulate) energystar.gov
TVA EnergyRight – Home Insulation Rebates energyright.com energyright.com
IRS – Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit irs.gov
TN Dept. of Environment & Conservation – Home Energy Rebate Programs (IRA) tn.gov; tn.gov
TN Housing Development Agency – Weatherization Assistance Program thda.org