Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

 

What is blown-in insulation and how is it installed?

Blown-in insulation is installed using a specialized machine that shreds the material and blows it through a long hose, creating a uniform, high R-value thermal blanket across your attic floor or inside wall cavities. It fills gaps, covers irregular spaces, and performs exceptionally well in older homes where standard batts leave voids and air pathways. AB Insulation installs both blown-in cellulose and blown-in fiberglass for homeowners throughout Rochester, Syracuse, Ithaca, and the Finger Lakes region. Call (315) 597-7000 for a free estimate.

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What is the difference between blown-in cellulose and blown-in fiberglass insulation?

Blown-in cellulose is made from recycled paper fibers and offers superior R-value per inch, excellent air sealing, and outstanding soundproofing — making it ideal for older homes and retrofit projects. Blown-in fiberglass is made from spun glass fibers, offers excellent moisture resistance, and performs very well in large open attic spaces. AB Insulation installs both systems and will recommend the right option based on your home's specific needs and goals. Call (315) 597-7000 to find out which is right for your home.

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How much R-value do I need in my attic?

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends R-49 or higher for attics in Upstate New York's climate — yet most homes in the region have R-20 or less. This gap is one of the leading causes of high energy bills, cold rooms, and overworked HVAC systems throughout the Finger Lakes area. AB Insulation uses blown-in cellulose and blown-in fiberglass to bring your attic up to modern performance standards and stop energy loss at the source. Call (315) 597-7000 for a free attic insulation assessment.

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Why does attic air sealing need to happen before blown-in insulation is installed?

Insulation alone cannot perform properly if warm air is escaping through gaps in your attic. Common air leakage points include plumbing penetrations, electrical wiring holes, recessed lights, attic hatches, and wall top plates — all of which allow conditioned air to escape before insulation can slow it down. AB Insulation always performs professional attic air sealing before installing blown-in insulation, ensuring you get the maximum comfort and energy savings from your investment. Call (315) 597-7000 to schedule your assessment.

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How much can blown-in insulation reduce my energy bills?

Homeowners who upgrade to professionally installed blown-in insulation can reduce their heating and cooling costs by up to 40%, depending on their home's current insulation levels and air sealing condition. Blown-in insulation eliminates the gaps, voids, and air movement that cause the most significant heat loss in typical Upstate New York homes. AB Insulation serves homeowners throughout Rochester, Syracuse, Ithaca, and the Finger Lakes — call (315) 597-7000 for a free blown-in insulation estimate.

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Can blown-in insulation be installed over existing insulation?

Yes — one of the biggest advantages of blown-in insulation is that it can be installed directly over your existing insulation, making it a fast, cost-effective upgrade without the need for removal or major disruption. This is especially beneficial for older Finger Lakes area homes that have low R-value fiberglass batts already in place. AB Insulation's certified technicians can complete most attic air sealing and blown-in insulation installations in a single day. Call (315) 597-7000 to get started.

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What are the benefits of blown-in insulation for Upstate New York homes?

Blown-in insulation offers a wide range of benefits for homeowners dealing with Upstate New York's harsh winters and hot summers, including heating and cooling savings of up to 40%, elimination of cold drafts and uneven temperatures, improved indoor air quality, enhanced soundproofing, and extended HVAC system lifespan. Because blown-in material fills every irregular space and void, it outperforms standard batt insulation in most attic and wall applications. AB Insulation helps homeowners throughout Rochester, Syracuse, Ithaca, and the Finger Lakes achieve all of these benefits every day.

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Is blown-in insulation good for older homes?

Blown-in insulation is one of the best solutions available for older homes. Many homes built before the 1980s have little to no wall insulation and severely under-insulated attics — blown-in cellulose in particular can be installed through small access holes in walls without major renovation, and blown-in systems can cover irregular framing, pipes, and wiring that batts simply cannot accommodate. AB Insulation specializes in retrofitting older homes throughout Central and Western New York with high-performance blown-in insulation systems.

 

Does AB Insulation help with NYSERDA rebates for blown-in insulation?

Yes. New York homeowners upgrading their attic or wall insulation may qualify for NYSERDA rebates and federal tax credits of up to $1,200 on qualifying insulation improvements. AB Insulation is experienced in helping homeowners throughout the Finger Lakes, Rochester, Syracuse, and Ithaca areas identify and access every available incentive to reduce their out-of-pocket costs. Call (315) 597-7000 to find out what programs you may qualify for.

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What areas does AB Insulation serve for blown-in insulation?

AB Insulation serves homeowners throughout Central and Western New York including Rochester, Syracuse, Ithaca, Palmyra, Canandaigua, Geneva, Auburn, Fairport, Webster, Victor, Pittsford, Macedon, Penfield, Brighton, Henrietta, Cortland, Spencerport, Brockport, and surrounding communities. Call (315) 597-7000 to schedule your free blown-in insulation estimate today.