Blown-in insulation will help with drafts

Question: I live in a brick ranch house. The house is about 45 years old and has no insulation in the walls. I had more insulation blown in the attic. I have an estimate of $795 for cellulose-fiber insulation to be blown in from the outside through five-eighths-inch holes through both walls around the whole house. Do you think it will help the house be warmer in winter, cooler in summer? --D.L., Columbus, Ohio

Answer: Wall insulation should make your home feel warmer in winter and cooler in summer, as well as help lower your utility bills. The question is, will the savings offset the costs of installing insulation? If so, how many years before the payback starts and do you plan on staying in the home that long? You need to contact your local utility and ask for an energy audit.

It is common to drill holes to inject the insulation. Most of the exterior holes will be filled with mortar. Some will have a small vented piece of metal installed.

(C. Dwight Barnett is a master inspector certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors. Questions may be addressed to him at P.O. Box 14091, Evansville, IN 47728, or e-mail dbarnett(@evansville.net.)