Choosing the Appropriate Insulation Type

The ENERGY STAR program only partners with insulation manufacturers who agree to have their products tested by a third-party certification body. ENERGY STAR certified insulation must also be tested to meet flame resistance requirements to help promote fire safety.

Insulation performance is also highly dependent on the quality of the installation. That is why ENERGY STAR manufacturer partners must include instructions that clearly explain how to install their products to ensure maximum performance. Instructions also include safety information to protect the health of everyone in your home.

Finding certified insulation is easy. Just look for the blue ENERGY STAR mark on products at your local retailer.

When it comes to your project, you have the power to choose the insulation that best suits your needs. The type of insulation you select will often depend on the nature of your project. Different types of insulation require varying degrees of skill for installation, which can help you make an informed decision on whether to hire a contractor or take on the project yourself.

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

Consumer Seal and Insulate Products Key Products Criteria: ENERGY STAR

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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	Expanded Polystyrene Foam (EPS) Extruded Polystyrene Foam (XPS) Polyisocyanurate Foam (Polyiso) Mineral (rock, stone, or slag) Wool
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 Foam (Polyiso)
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.