Keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer shouldn’t mean dreading your energy bills. Yet for many Michigan homeowners, poor insulation leads to drafts, rising costs, and rooms that never seem comfortable, no matter how high the thermostat is set.
At Custom Built Design & Remodeling, we’ve helped families across Greater Lansing and Boyne City tackle these exact challenges. With over 20 years of remodeling experience, we know the right insulation upgrades not only save money but also create healthier, longer-lasting homes.
In this article, we’ll share ten practical ways to improve your home’s insulation, from attic upgrades to sealing air leaks, so you can enjoy comfort and efficiency year-round.
- Upgrade Your Attic Insulation
- Seal Around Windows and Doors
- Insulate Basement Walls and Floors
- Add Wall Insulation During Remodeling
- Improve Crawl Space Insulation
- Seal Air Leaks Throughout the Home
- Upgrade Windows and Doors
- Install Radiant Barriers or Reflective Insulation
- Use Insulated Siding During Exterior Remodels
- Pair Insulation With Energy-Efficient Systems
1. Upgrade Your Attic Insulation
Your attic is one of the most common areas where homes lose heat. Because warm air rises, it naturally escapes through the roof, taking your energy dollars with it. Adding insulation here can cut costs and keep your entire home more comfortable.
But more isn’t always better. Without proper ventilation, you risk trapping moisture and creating bigger issues like mold growth or roof damage.
More Considerations:
- Building codes today require far more insulation than they did even a decade ago.
- Make sure there’s a clear airflow out through your eaves before adding new insulation.
- DIY installation is possible, but professional guidance ensures you don’t overdo (or underdo) the amount of insulation incorporated.
2. Seal Around Windows and Doors
Drafts around windows and doors can make a home feel uncomfortable, even when the thermostat is set high.
Sealing these gaps not only improves comfort but also prevents your furnace from overworking. Some fixes are quick and easy, while others are long-term investments.
More Considerations:
- Weatherstripping is an affordable DIY option available at most hardware stores.
- For older homes, replacing inefficient windows and doors makes a noticeable difference.
- Proper installation is key. Complete replacement solves insulation issues better than pocket inserts.
3. Insulate Basement Walls and Floors
PC: Journal of Light Construction
Basements often get overlooked when it comes to insulation, but they play a huge role in overall energy efficiency. A cold basement can send drafts through the rest of your home, and uninsulated walls allow valuable heat to escape.
Adding the right insulation here helps create a more balanced, comfortable indoor environment.
More Considerations:
- Insulating walls, especially the bond space above the foundation, is critical.
- Blankets of insulation work well for unfinished storage spaces.
- For finished basements, a stud wall with drywall and insulation provides a long-term solution.
4. Add Wall Insulation During Remodeling
If you’re planning a remodel, it’s the perfect time to address wall insulation. Older homes often have insulation that has failed or slid down over time, leaving gaps where drafts sneak in.
Adding wall insulation during a remodel not only boosts efficiency but also prevents problems before they start.
More Considerations:
- Spray foam injection can fill existing gaps in older walls.
- Re-siding is an opportunity to add an insulated foam wrap and seal air leaks.
- Balance is key: a house that’s sealed too tightly can trap moisture without proper ventilation.
5. Improve Crawl Space Insulation
PC: Family Handyman
Crawl spaces may be out of sight, but they shouldn’t be out of mind. Without insulation, they can leak cold air into your home and increase the risk of frozen pipes. Improving insulation here creates a warmer, safer environment both above and below your floors.
More Considerations:
- Insulating the bond and walls helps keep cold air out.
- Blankets of insulation are effective for unfinished crawl spaces.
- Proper sealing adds protection for plumbing and improves overall comfort.
6. Seal Air Leaks Throughout the Home
Even with good insulation, air leaks can undermine your efforts. Small openings in siding, trim, or around doors and windows allow cold air to creep inside. Taking the time to seal these gaps makes your home feel tighter and more comfortable while lowering utility costs.
More Considerations:
- Inspect siding for holes from pests or wear.
- Caulking and weatherstripping are easy, inexpensive fixes.
- Door sweeps eliminate drafts under thresholds.
7. Upgrade Windows and Doors
If sealing and quick fixes aren’t enough, it may be time to upgrade your windows and doors altogether. Today’s options are designed with energy efficiency in mind, providing long-term savings and greater comfort for your household.
More Considerations:
- Energy-efficient models cut down on drafts and reduce heating and cooling costs.
- Full-frame installation is the best method for long-lasting insulation performance.
- Federal tax credits can offset some of the upfront expense.
8. Install Radiant Barriers or Reflective Insulation
PC: The Spruce
Radiant barriers and reflective insulation work by bouncing heat away instead of absorbing it. While most common in southern climates, they can also benefit Michigan homes by keeping summer heat at bay and reducing cooling costs.
More Considerations:
- Radiant barriers are often installed in attics.
- Reflective insulation helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures during hot days.
- These upgrades are most effective as part of a larger insulation strategy.
9. Use Insulated Siding During Exterior Remodels
If you’re planning to update your home’s siding, it’s worth considering insulated options. This upgrade adds another layer of thermal protection while giving your exterior a fresh new look.
More Considerations:
- Options include vinyl, cement board, wood, steel, and aluminum.
- Insulated siding adds R-value and improves comfort in every season.
- A licensed contractor will help you select siding that meets Michigan’s regional requirements.
10. Pair Insulation With Energy-Efficient Systems
Insulation works best when it’s paired with efficient heating, cooling, and water systems. The two go hand in hand: better insulation reduces system strain, while efficient systems maximize your home’s performance.
More Considerations:
- Add an insulated jacket to your water heater for extra efficiency.
- Choose HVAC systems that recycle heat instead of venting it outdoors.
- Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances that will pay for themselves over time.
Next Steps to Improving Your Home Insulation
Insulation isn’t just about saving money; it’s about making your home more comfortable, efficient, and durable.
By upgrading areas like your attic, basement, and crawl spaces, while sealing leaks and pairing improvements with energy-efficient systems, you can take real control over energy loss.
At Custom Built Design & Remodeling, we help Michigan families choose the right insulation upgrades that balance comfort, cost savings, and long-term performance.
If you’re ready to improve your home’s insulation, reach out to our team for a consultation and see how we can help create a warmer, more efficient home.
Now that you know more about ways to improve home insulation, let’s take a look at how to insulate your windows in cold weather, ways to level up your home’s energy efficiency, and common wall insulation solutions:
- How to Insulate Your Windows in Cold Weather - Explore more window insulation techniques to prepare your home for Michigan winters.
- 5 Steps for Improving Your Home’s Energy Efficiencies in 2025 - Discover how to enrich and improve your home’s energy efficiency elements this year.
- Top 5 Types of Wall Insulation and Which is Right for You - A high-level overview of the industry’s best wall insulation options, including pros, cons, and best usages.
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