Energy efficiency, savings, peace and quiet, and comfort are all features of a well-insulated home. Heres how to check your home, or a home you wish to purchase, for adequate insulation.

Pull out a ruler, pencil, paper, flashlight and old clothes. Make a list of the thickness of insulation as you walk through the house. Be careful not to pack down the insulation as you measure; it will become less effective. Also be careful not to tear the vapor retarder that may be between the insulation and ceiling.

In an unfinished attic, measure the thickness of the insulation between the floor joists. In a finished attic, look for a hatch that allows you to get behind finished portions. Measure the insulation depth in the ceiling and slanted sections of the roof and walls. Check crawlspaces and any exposed floors above unheated or uncooled spaces such as the garage, porch or basement. To check perimeter walls, try looking behind switch plates using a flashlight. Or, make a hole in the wall that can be patched.

If youre checking out a home you wish to buy, ask for permission to look at key areas such as the attic and crawlspaces. Check a copy of recent utility bills to get an indication of how energy efficient the home is. You might also hire an energy consultant to take an in-depth audit of the homes energy efficiency.