Is It Worth Insulating Internal Walls? 

Depending on your home’s floor plan and HVAC system efficiency, there may be more cost-effective ways to reduce your heating and cooling bill than an interior wall insulation project. Homeowners who have already optimized their HVAC systems will find marginal gains by insulating the right interior walls. Here’s how to decide if interior wall insulation could benefit your home.

Are Interior Walls Insulated? 

In most cases, interior walls are not insulated during construction. Unlike exterior walls, which must meet local and state codes for insulation, interior wall insulation is rarely required. This is because interior insulation has much less impact on your home’s energy efficiency – but it can still play a role.

Interior Wall Insulation: Is It the Best Option? 

Do interior walls need to be insulated? While it doesn’t offer the same impact as exterior wall insulation, interior wall insulation can still be a wise investment for some homeowners. Most homes already have some level of exterior wall insulation, though there may be opportunities to improve efficiency with more modern materials or techniques. If your primary concern is energy efficiency, contact One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning for an in-depth examination of your home’s HVAC system and insulation.

The benefits of interior wall insulation include:

  • Energy efficiency. Insulating the right interior walls can regulate temperatures from room to room and between floors in your home. This is especially beneficial if your home has rooms used infrequently or closed off for parts of the year.
  • Noise control. Soundproofing interior walls is an additional benefit of interior wall insulation. No matter what kind of insulation for interior walls you choose, it will reduce noise between rooms. With more adults working from home, soundproofing can keep everyone comfortable—and keep the peace!
  • Moisture protection. Any rooms with regular water use, like the bathroom and kitchen, run the risk of condensation accumulation. This happens when hot, humid air meets the cooler air of an adjoining room. In many cases, condensation occurs inside the shared wall between rooms. Insulating these walls separates the different air temperatures, slows heat transfer, and reduces the risk of moisture problems that can lead to mold or mildew.

What Kind of Insulation Is Best for Interior Walls? 

If you’re adding insulation to existing interior walls, the best option is loose-fill insulation. Available in common insulation materials like mineral wool, cellulose, and fiberglass, loose-fill can be blown into a small hole cut into your drywall, minimizing the amount of work (and mess) of the project. Loose-fill insulation can typically be added through a hole as small as 1 inch in diameter.

The most affordable option for interior wall insulation is rigid form board. However, this requires completely opening the wall, which increases your project's overall cost and timeline. This might be a good option if you’re building a new interior wall to divide an existing space.

Prioritizing Your Next Project [

So, do you insulate your interior walls or improve your HVAC efficiency to save money? In most cases, homeowners will see more immediate and long-term energy efficiency improvements by addressing HVAC heating and cooling systems or improving exterior wall insulation than insulating interior walls.

You might consider other energy-efficient options, including:

Bring Comfort Home with Expert Help 

Make interior wall insulation one component in a comprehensive home energy upgrade with our trusted and experienced comfort specialists. Trust One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning to provide expert recommendations and services to ensure a comfortable and energy-efficient home for you and your family. Request an appointment online or call (800) 893-3523 today.