Could Your Decorations Act as Additional Insulation?

Could Your Decorations Act as Additional Insulation?

Written by Jobe Leonard of Rescheck.info. Jobe enjoys all things related to Rescheck reporting and the study of home energy audit softwares like Rescheck, Comcheck, and Manual J.

I recently noticed going back in a historical study that my power bill was higher in December over the past 5 years than in November, January, and February even when the outdoor climate was similar. This led to me to some investigation of what had changed.

Today on the Reschexpert blog as we all begrudgingly load our decorations back into the attic we explore if those full totes of holiday supplies might be acting as an additional insulator.

Holiday Hoarders Rejoice! Turning Christmas Decorations into Attic Insulation

Let’s be honest, those overflowing Christmas decoration bins can become a source of holiday stress. But what if I told you there’s a way to repurpose those festive finds and keep your home cozy at the same time?

The Unexpected Insulator:

Believe it or not, those plastic totes overflowing with twinkling lights, inflatable snowmen, and glittery ornaments can actually provide a surprising level of insulation in your attic. Here’s how:

• Air Pockets: The empty spaces within the totes create air pockets, which act as natural insulators. Air is a poor conductor of heat, so these pockets help to minimize heat transfer between your living space and the cold attic.
• Bulk: The sheer volume of the totes helps to fill gaps and crevices in your attic floor, further reducing heat loss.

Almost all materials have an R value per inch.  Even if it is holiday decorations. To prove the point I have included a chart of the R value of different types of materials.  Most decorations are made out of some type of material listed in the R value chart below.

Rescheck.info R Value Per Inch Random Material Chart

As you can see, almost all items and materials have some type of R value per inch. The totes that I use are 18” in height. So let’s just say that they have a conservative R value of .25 per inch. That gives an additional R4.5 to the attic system assuming the totes are spread evenly without gaps.

Tips for Tote-tastic Insulation:

• Choose Sturdy Totes: Opt for heavy-duty plastic totes with secure lids to ensure they can withstand the weight of additional totes if you decide to do a double layer.
• Strategic Placement: Place the totes strategically in areas of high heat loss, such as around the edges of the attic, on top of poorly insulated areas, or vents.
• Combine with Other Insulation: Totes can be used in conjunction with traditional insulation materials like fiberglass or rockwool for maximum effectiveness.
• Safety First: Ensure proper ventilation in your attic to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mold and mildew growth.

Important Note:

While using Christmas decoration totes as insulation can be an effective and eco-friendly solution, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and building codes. Consult with a qualified insulation professional to determine the best approach for your specific attic and insulation needs.

Embrace the Holiday Spirit (and Stay Warm!)

So, this holiday season, as you’re carefully packing away those cherished decorations, consider their potential for a second life. By repurposing those festive totes, you can not only reduce clutter but also contribute to a warmer and more energy-efficient home.

Totes in your attic would never be allowed to be added to your Rescheck, but they just might add some savings to your energy bill, in every month except December. Once you remove the totes to decorate your home then the extra R value they may, or may not provide, will go away until you store them in your attic again in January.

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