Why Do I Have Allergies in My Home?
You’re sneezing like you walked through a hayfield—but you’re just sitting on your couch. Your eyes itch, your throat feels scratchy, and every morning starts with a chorus of sniffles. What gives?
The culprit might not be outside—your home itself could be stirring things up. Let’s dig into why indoor allergies happen and what you can do to breathe easier under your own roof.
1. Dust and Dander Are Everywhere
Even the cleanest homes collect dust—and with it comes dust mites, pet dander, and other microscopic freeloaders. They hang out in carpets, furniture, and especially insulation that's old or poorly sealed.
Fix it:
- Regular vacuuming helps, but it’s just the surface. Upgrading old insulation and sealing gaps in your walls or attic can cut down on how much junk gets trapped in the first place.
- Consider using an air purifier with a HEPA filter to catch smaller particles before they end up in your lungs.
2. Leaky Homes = Outdoor Allergens Sneaking In
Ever open a window during spring and instantly regret it? Now imagine tiny cracks and gaps doing that all the time. Pollen, pollution, and other allergens can sneak in through unsealed windows, doors, and attics.
Fix it:
- Air sealing is your best friend here. Sealing up your home keeps outdoor allergens out and your indoor air cleaner. We see this all the time in older Connecticut homes—once we seal things up, the difference is night and day.
- Keep windows closed during peak allergy seasons and use high-quality HVAC filters.
3. Your HVAC System Might Be Spreading It Around
If your ductwork is dusty, dirty, or full of gaps, it’s doing more than heating and cooling—it’s distributing allergens room to room like it’s running a mail route.
Fix it:
- Get your ducts cleaned and sealed. You’d be surprised what builds up in there over the years.
- Replace your air filters regularly (like, really regularly—not just when you remember).
4. Humidity and Mold Love Each Other
Too much moisture in your home invites mold and mildew—two of the biggest allergy triggers out there. Basements, attics, and bathrooms are prime real estate for this stuff.
Fix it:
- Keep humidity between 30–50%. A dehumidifier can help if your basement feels like a rainforest.
- Insulate and air seal areas like the attic and rim joists to reduce condensation and moisture build-up.
5. Old Insulation Can Be Part of the Problem
Insulation that’s been sitting for decades—especially if it’s fiberglass batts that were home to mice or moisture—can trap allergens and irritants. And when air moves through it, those particles end up floating into your living space.
Fix it:
- Consider upgrading to dense-packed cellulose insulation, which not only performs better thermally but also helps block airflow and trap dust and allergens where they can’t bother you.
- If the insulation is contaminated, the best move is to remove it and start fresh.
The Bottom Line
Your home should be a refuge, not a trigger. If you’re dealing with year-round allergies, the issue may be baked into the bones of the house—leaky seals, outdated insulation, moisture issues, or dusty ductwork.
Good news? You can fix it. Most of these problems come down to improving your building envelope: seal it tight, insulate it right, and make sure your air is clean.
👉 Want to get your indoor air under control? Contact us and let’s figure out what’s hiding behind the walls—and how to make your home a whole lot healthier.
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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.
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.
We’ll break it down by type—fiberglass, cellulose, and spray foam—and explain what drives the price up (or down).
🧱 Fiberglass Insulation: The Basic, Budget-Friendly Option
Cost for 1,000 sq ft:
👉 Around $2,000 to $3,000
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.
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?
🌾 Cellulose Insulation: The Comfort Workhorse
Cost for 1,000 sq ft:
👉 Around $2,000 to $4,000
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.
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
🧊 Spray Foam Insulation: The High-Performance MVP
Cost for 1,000 sq ft:
👉 Around $3,000 to $5,000+
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.
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
📈 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.
💡 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.
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.
👉 Let’s talk insulation. Contact the Connecitcut insulation team.
10 Free or Cheap Ways to Keep Your Connecticut Home Cooler This Summer
Connecticut summers don’t mess around. One day it’s a nice breeze off the Sound, the next it feels like your house turned into a baked potato. But before you crank the AC to the point where your electric bill starts sweating too, here are ten ways to beat the heat—without breaking the bank.
Connecticut summers don’t mess around. One day it’s a nice breeze off the Sound, the next it feels like your house turned into a baked potato. But before you crank the AC to the point where your electric bill starts sweating too, here are ten ways to beat the heat—without breaking the bank.
1. Shut the blinds like it’s your job
Seriously. About 30% of unwanted heat comes from your windows. Keep blinds and curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day—especially on south- and west-facing windows. Blackout curtains? Even better.
2. Box fans + window trick = poor man’s AC
Point a box fan out the window in the evening to blow hot air out while you crack a window on the cooler side of the house. It creates a little air current that pulls cool air in and shoves hot air out.
3. Switch your ceiling fans to “summer” mode
Yes, they have a summer setting. There’s usually a little switch near the base. Flip it so the fan spins counterclockwise—this pushes air down and creates a cooling breeze instead of just stirring the soup.
4. Ditch the incandescent bulbs
Old-school bulbs run hot. Swap 'em out for LEDs and your rooms stay a few degrees cooler. Plus, it cuts your electric bill. Win-win.
5. Cook less—or cook outside
Using the oven or stove heats up your kitchen like a pizza shop. Grill outside, eat more cold foods, or prep meals early in the day. Your house (and your face) will thank you.
6. Seal the air leaks
You know those little cracks around windows, doors, and basement bulkheads? They’re like VIP entry for hot air. Caulk, weatherstripping, and a little bit of foam sealant can go a long way. Not sure where the leaks are? We can help air seal your home.
7. Close off unused rooms
No need to cool the guest room your in-laws use twice a year. Shut the doors to rooms you’re not in—this keeps the cooler air circulating where you actually need it.
8. Use bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans
These fans aren’t just for smells and steam—they pull hot air and humidity right out of the house. Use 'em during and after cooking or showering to help the whole place cool down faster.
9. Add some attic insulation
Yep, insulation isn’t just a winter thing. A poorly insulated attic turns into a giant heat battery that radiates down into your living space all day long. Dense-packed cellulose can help keep that heat out in the summer and in during the winter.
10. Schedule an energy audit
If your home feels like a sauna every summer, there’s a reason. A free or low-cost energy audit (like the ones offered through EnergizeCT) can pinpoint the exact spots your house is losing the fight against heat—and help you qualify for rebates to fix them.
Why Insulation Helps You Run the A/C Less
Think of insulation like a cooler—just like it keeps the cold in and the heat out, your home can do the same when it’s properly insulated.
Without insulation (or with old, crusty, half-bald insulation), all that nice cold air your A/C is working so hard to produce? It slips right out through your attic, walls, and basement like water through a colander. And the hot summer air outside? That stuff seeps in like an uninvited guest.
Add proper insulation—especially in your attic and walls—and suddenly, your A/C doesn’t have to work nearly as hard. You cool the house down once… and it stays cool. That means:
- Lower energy bills
- Less wear and tear on your HVAC system
- More consistent comfort (no more sweatbox upstairs and meat locker downstairs)
Bottom line: good insulation gives your air conditioning a break—and your wallet one, too.
👉 Want to make your home cooler, quieter, and cheaper to run this summer? Let’s make a plan.
Why Are the Rooms in My House Such Different Temperatures?
Ever walk from your living room into your bedroom and feel like you just changed zip codes? One room’s sweating like a sauna, the next one’s an icebox. If your house plays temperature roulette, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not imagining it.
Ever walk from your living room into your bedroom and feel like you just changed zip codes? One room’s sweating like a sauna, the next one’s an icebox. If your house plays temperature roulette, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not imagining it.
Let’s break down why this happens, and what you can actually do about it.
1. Your Insulation Might Be... Sad
This is the big one, folks. Inconsistent or missing insulation is often the root of the problem.
Older homes (especially anything built before the late '70s) usually have little to no insulation in walls, attics, or crawlspaces. Or, it’s been chewed up by time, mice, or moisture. When insulation’s spotty or thin, rooms lose heat (or gain it) at different rates, depending on their exposure to sun, wind, or shade.
What to do about it:
Get an insulation assessment. A pro (👋 hi, that’s us) can check your attic, walls, and floors for weak spots and recommend a proper fix—often cellulose or spray foam in strategic places will even things out fast.
2. Your Ductwork’s Slacking Off
If you’ve got forced-air heating or cooling, the ductwork behind the scenes might be to blame. Leaky or poorly routed ducts can deliver all the warm air to the living room and leave your upstairs office out in the cold.
What to do about it:
Have your ducts inspected for leaks, gaps, or poor design. Sealing and balancing your system can restore harmony between floors.
3. Drafts Are Sneaking In
That room with the bay window that never feels quite right? Yeah, windows and doors are classic culprits for temperature swings. Cold air slips in around gaps, warm air slips out—repeat daily.
What to do about it:
Air sealing. It’s not glamorous, but it’s one of the best bang-for-your-buck improvements. Sealing up those tiny cracks and crevices with the right materials stops drafts cold and keeps temps consistent.
4. Your HVAC System Might Be Undersized (or Just Confused)
If your heating or cooling system wasn’t sized right—or if it doesn’t circulate air evenly across zones—then it’s no wonder some rooms feel like deserts and others like deep space.
What to do about it:
Get your system checked by an HVAC pro. Sometimes the solution is as simple as adjusting dampers or installing a zoned system.
5. Sunlight, Shade, and Room Placement
South-facing rooms soak up more sun. Top-floor bedrooms trap rising heat. Basements stay naturally cooler. The layout and orientation of your home can create natural temperature swings. Understand how heat transfer works can also be part of the explanation.
What to do about it:
Insulation helps even these out too, along with proper window treatments or zoned HVAC adjustments.
Bottom Line: Comfort Isn’t a Mystery—It’s a System
When your house feels like it has different climates in every room, it’s not just annoying—it’s costing you money. Uneven temperatures = energy waste, higher bills, and more wear on your heating and cooling system.
Most fixes boil down to a few essentials:
✅ Better insulation
✅ Proper air sealing
✅ HVAC tuning or upgrades
The good news? These problems are totally solvable. And you don’t have to guess what’s wrong—we’ll figure it out for you.
👉 Want a free insulation and air sealing assessment? Contact us here and let’s make every room feel just right.
Let's Work Together
Ready to transform your home into an energy-efficient haven? Schedule your free energy assessment today and experience the Nealon difference for yourself.