How Much Is 1,000 Sq Ft of Insulation?

Let’s get straight to the point: insulating 1,000 square feet of space in your home can cost anywhere from $1,500 to over $5,000 depending on the material you choose and the quirks of your house. It’s like asking how much a car costs—you’ll get a different answer depending on whether you want the base model or the decked-out version with heated seats and a moonroof.

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We’ll break it down by type—fiberglass, cellulose, and spray foam—and explain what drives the price up (or down).

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Fiberglass Insulation: The Basic, Budget-Friendly Option

‍Cost for 1,000 sq ft:

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👉 Around $2,000 to $3,000

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Fiberglass is like the plain bagel of insulation: dependable, affordable, and everywhere. It’s often used in new construction and attics where you have open access to joists. If you're not battling extreme drafts or moisture issues, this can be a solid, cost-effective choice.

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What affects fiberglass pricing:

• Open vs closed access (attic = easy, walls = more labor)
• Batts vs blown-in
• Labor needs—is it a clean install or a crawlspace contortionist job?

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Cellulose Insulation: The Comfort Workhorse

Cost for 1,000 sq ft:

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👉 Around $2,000 to $4,000

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Cellulose insulation is what we specialize in here at Nealon. It's dense, fire-resistant, pest-resistant, and made from recycled materials. It performs great in older homes, especially for filling wall cavities without tearing your house apart.

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Why the price varies:

• Dense-packing walls vs attic blow-in (walls take more time and skill)
• Access issues—we may need to drill, patch, or work around tough angles
• Depth of insulation—more R-value means more material

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Spray Foam Insulation: The High-Performance MVP

‍Cost for 1,000 sq ft:

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👉 Around $3,000 to $5,000+

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Spray foam is the insulation equivalent of a triple-espresso: powerful, airtight, and overachieving. It both insulates and air seals in one shot. But it’s more expensive upfront, and not always necessary in every application.

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What bumps up the price:

• Open-cell vs closed-cell (closed-cell is more expensive and higher R-value)
• Ventilation concerns—you may need mechanical ventilation if you're sealing super tight
• Prep and protection—spray foam needs careful installation to avoid overspray or damage

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What Else Affects the Price of Insulation?

Regardless of material, there are a few wildcard factors that can change your final number:

• Access and layout: Vaulted ceilings, narrow crawlspaces, or complicated rooflines = more labor.
• Demo or removal: If we need to rip out old insulation, that adds to the bill.
• Code requirements: Want to hit energy code or qualify for rebates? You may need higher R-values.
• Local rebates: In Connecticut, EnergizeCT rebates can significantly lower your out-of-pocket cost—especially for cellulose and spray foam.

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So What Should You Expect to Pay?

If you're in Connecticut and looking to insulate 1,000 sq ft, the sweet spot for most homes falls between $2,000 and $4,000. Think of that as the range for long-term comfort and energy savings.

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Want a real number for your actual house? We’ll come check it out and give you a quote with no pressure and no fluff. Just real answers from real insulation nerds.

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