Blown-In vs Spray Foam: Which Insulation is Right for You? Every winter, you bundle up in sweaters indoors. Every summer, your AC battles a losing war against the heat. Meanwhile, your electricity bills seem to climb higher every month. What gives? The problem could be hiding right in your walls, or rather, the lack of a good solution in there. You crank the thermostat, and the heat disappears. Your AC hums nonstop, but the house still feels sticky. What’s going on? It’s time to fix the problem at its source, and choosing between blown-in insulation vs spray foam is the first step to solving it. But how do you decide what’s best for your home? Are you looking for a cost-effective option that gets the job done, or do you want something that seals every tiny crack and cranny? By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear understanding of the pros and cons of each. Stick around, and let Anton Plumbing Heating & Cooling help you make the best call for your home. What Are Blown-In and Spray Foam Insulation? Blown-In Insulation Made from materials such as cellulose, fiberglass, or mineral wool, this loose-fill insulation is applied using specialized equipment that blows the material into place. It’s like pouring sand into a jar of marbles. The material flows into every gap, nook, and cranny of your space. It’s a favorite for attics, retrofit projects, and walls because of its flexibility. Want to insulate your century-old home without gutting it? Blown-in insulation does the job. Spray Foam Insulation Spray foam insulation starts as a liquid but expands to fill every crack, crevice, and tiny air gap it touches. It is available in two main types—open-cell and closed-cell. Open-cell spray foam has a softer, more flexible finish, making it a go-to for indoor spaces, while closed-cell offers a denser, moisture-resistant barrier perfect for outdoor or high-humidity zones. Blown-In Insulation vs. Spray Foam: How Do They Compare? R-Value and Thermal Performance R-value is the grade your insulation gets for resisting heat transfer. The higher the score, the better. Blown-in insulation sits comfortably in the middle of the class, with cellulose offering an R-value of about 3.2 to 3.8 per inch. Fiberglass is a tad lower, around 2.2 to 2.7 per inch. Closed-cell spray foam earns an R-value of 6.5 to 7 per inch, practically doubling the performance of blown-in options. For regions with harsh winters or relentless summers, spray foam insulation offers thermal performance that’s hard to beat. Air Sealing and Moisture Resistance Spray foam doesn’t just insulate, it seals. That expanding action creates a barrier against air leaks, drafts, and most importantly, moisture. Closed-cell spray foam is particularly tough, doubling as a water-resistant layer that helps keep mold and mildew at bay. Blown-in insulation? It’s not bad, but it needs some help to hold its ground against moisture. Pairing it with vapor barriers or other moisture-resistant materials is needed if you’re in a damp climate or insulating areas like basements. Cost Comparison Here’s the deal with spray foam vs. blown-in insulation cost: Blown-in is the wallet-friendly option.  Its materials and installation are less expensive which makes it appealing for homeowners working with tighter budgets or insulating larger spaces like attics. Spray foam? It’s more expensive. The materials cost more and you’ll need professionals to install it. Installation Process Blown-in insulation keeps things simple. Contractors blow loose-fill materials into your walls or attic using a hose, and the process is quick and relatively mess-free. It’s particularly handy for retrofitting older homes where tearing down drywall isn’t an option.  Spray foam is a bit more complicated. Professionals mix chemicals on-site and spray the expanding foam, which then hardens to create a solid layer. It’s more technical, but the payoff in performance is undeniable.  Ensure your home’s comfort with expert thermostat repair services from Anton Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. Whether it’s an inaccurate reading, connectivity issue, or complete malfunction, our skilled technicians provide quick, reliable solutions to get your system back on track. Call us today for prompt service! Choose the Right Insulation for Your Home Factors to Consider Choosing between spray foam insulation vs blown-in insulation depends on what your home needs. Before you make the decision, think about the factors below: 1. Climate and weather conditions If you live in a region with extreme heat or cold, insulation with a higher R-value like spray foam can provide better heat retention. Blown-in insulation works well for moderate climates or supplemental insulation in already insulated spaces. 2.Budget Blown-in insulation is easier on the wallet, while spray foam costs more but can lower energy bills in the long run. 3. Where you’re insulating Blown-in insulation is better in large attics or open walls, while spray foam is more recommended in tight spaces or areas prone to drafts like crawl spaces or irregular wall cavities. Blown-In vs. Spray Foam: The Verdict is Yours Choosing between blown-in and spray foam insulation depends on what your home needs most. The right choice isn’t just about the materials. It should be about the results you want. Consider the insights from Anton Plumbing experts above and you’re set for success.  Still unsure what to choose between the two? Call 732-353-1804 (Old Bridge) or 929-445-7367 (East Brunswick) to get started, or visit us at Old Bridge, NJ 08857 or 758 NJ-18 Suite 105, East Brunswick, NJ 08816. Prefer email? Drop us a line at [email protected].