Look for ENERGY STAR Certified Insulation

Not all insulation is created equal. Insulation that has been certified by EPA-recognized third-party certification bodies is independently tested to ensure it delivers performance while meeting strict safety standards. ENERGY STAR only partners with insulation manufactures who agree to have their products tested by a third-party certification body. ENERGY STAR also requires that certified insulation is tested to meet flame resistance requirements to help promote fire safety.

The performance of insulation is also highly dependent on the quality of the installation. That is why ENERGY STAR requires manufacturer partners to include instructions that clearly explain how to install their products to ensure maximum performance. Instructions also include safety information to protect the health of you and your family.  

Choosing the Appropriate Insulation Type

The type of insulation you use on your project often depends on what kind of project you are planning. Varying degrees of skill are required to install different types of insulation, which may help you decide whether it is better to hire a contractor  or do it yourself.

The chart below provides information on the different types of ENERGY STAR certified insulation, which types of projects they are best suited for, and the relative skill level needed for the average homeowner to install them.

Blanket: batts and rolls

Materials	Fiberglass Mineral (rock, stone or slag) wool Plastic fibers Natural fibers (cotton, wool)
Best Suited For	Unfinished walls, including foundation, basement and crawlspace walls Floors and ceilings
Skill Level Required	Basic

Foam board or Rigid board

Materials	Polystyrene Polyisocyanurate Polyurethane
Best Suited For	Unfinished walls, including foundation, basement and crawlspace walls Floors and ceilings Unvented low-slope roofs Exterior continuous insulation Exterior below grade foundation walls
Skill Level Required	Intermediate

Loose-fill and Blown-in

Materials	Cellulose Fiberglass Mineral (rock, stone or slag) wool
Best Suited For	Enclosed existing wall or open new wall cavities Unfinished attic floors Other hard-to-reach places
Skill Level Required	Intermediate

Rigid Fibrous or Fiber Insulation

Materials	Fiberglass Mineral (rock, stone or slag) wool
Best Suited For	Ducts in unconditioned spaces Other places requiring insulation that can withstand high temperatures
Skill Level Required	Intermediate

Sprayed Foam and Foamed-in-place

Materials	Cementitious Phenolic Polyisocyanurate Polyurethane
Best Suited For	Enclosed existing wall Open new wall cavities Unfinished attic floors, attic ceilings
Skill Level Required	Advanced (Certified Installer Needed)

Learn more about different types of insulation on the U.S. Department of Energy website.

Browse ENERGY STAR Certified Insulation Products

There are numerous ENERGY STAR certified insulation products on the market to choose from. View list of certified insulation products