How Much Does Attic Insulation Removal Cost in 2025?
Removing attic insulation costs an average of $900
Average attic insulation removal costs range from $600 to $1,200, with an average of $900.
Key cost factors include attic size, insulation type, attic condition, and accessibility.
Expect to pay between $35 and $85 per hour in insulation removal labor costs.
Better indoor air quality and lower energy bills are key benefits.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Attic insulation removal averages from $600 to $1,200, with most homeowners spending an average of $900. Costs depend on attic size, insulation type, and the presence of hazardous materials. Budgeting for the job—and hiring a qualified pro—helps keep costs predictable while protecting your home from air-quality issues and energy loss.
Attic Insulation Removal Cost Factors
Some factors that influence the cost to remove old insulation from an attic include the size of the attic and the type of insulation.
Attic Size
Your attic’s size significantly impacts insulation removal costs. At $1 to $2 per square foot, larger attics will naturally cost more. For an accurate estimate, get a quote from a local insulation contractor who can assess your attic's dimensions.
| Attic Size (Sq. Ft.) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 200 | $200–$400 |
| 400 | $400–$800 |
| 600 | $600–$1,200 |
| 1,000 | $1,000–$2,000 |
| 1,500 | $1,500–$3,000 |
| 2,000 | $2,000–$4,000 |
Insulation Type
Some types of insulation are easier to remove than others. For example, batt and roll insulation costs more to remove than blown-in insulation because it must be removed by hand instead of a vacuum. Other common types of insulation include spray foam insulation, radiant insulation, and rigid insulation.
Asbestos
Asbestos removal costs $1,190 to $3,255. Vermiculite insulation often contains asbestos. If you’re unsure whether you need to remove insulation due to asbestos, get in touch with an inspector for asbestos testing to determine if removal is necessary. Asbestos is only dangerous when it’s airborne, so encapsulating asbestos is sometimes a more affordable option.
New Insulation
Expect to pay more when you replace attic insulation than when you only remove it. On average, removing and replacing insulation costs $1,852, but this amount can vary depending on the size of the space and the type of insulation you choose. Blown-in insulation costs more than batt and roll, for instance. Different insulation materials each have unique advantages and price points to consider.
Labor
Labor is a key factor to consider when setting a budget for attic insulation costs. The price of labor will vary depending on your attic’s size and condition, as well as the type of insulation being removed. Blown-in insulation can simply be vacuumed up, for example, while spray foam insulation costs more to remove. In general, expect to pay a pro between $35 and $85 per hour to remove insulation from your attic.
Accessibility
If the areas that need insulation removal are small or hard to access with insulation removal equipment, it can lead to a longer project time, driving up labor costs. This is especially true if your insulation removal experts end up needing to remove insulation by hand.
Disposal
Disposal is usually included in the total cost to remove attic insulation, but this can change if your old insulation is hazardous—such as if it contains asbestos, mold, or has been infested with pests.
Attic Condition
An attic in poor condition will cost more to have its insulation removed. Damage from rot, water, mold, or pests increases the complexity and expense of the project. For example, mold remediation costs range from $1,225 to $3,750. In severe cases, pest removal before or during insulation removal can add up to $8,000.
Does Replacing Attic Insulation Increase Home Value?
Replacing old attic insulation can boost your home’s value. Removing hazardous materials such as asbestos will help you sell your home more easily, while the added energy efficiency of new insulation is a great selling point. Some reports say that new insulation in the attic and other areas can translate to an increase in overall home value, with more return on investment (ROI) for more energy-efficient insulation.
Budgeting for Attic Insulation Removal
Here are some strategies to help you save money on attic insulation removal:
Look into energy-efficiency rebates and incentives from federal, state, and local governments to offset costs.
Ask your insulation expert if you can remove and replace only some of your insulation rather than all of it.
Find out if you can add new insulation on top of existing insulation to avoid removal altogether.
Choose more affordable insulation types when replacing, if possible.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Clear your attic of junk, debris, and any belongings before calling a professional to reduce the labor hours needed to prepare the space for insulation removal.
While removing attic insulation yourself might save money upfront, hiring a professional is often the safer and more efficient choice. Professionals have specialized equipment and expertise to handle hazardous materials like asbestos, mold, and pest infestations. They protect your health, prevent property damage, and save you time.
Without professional training, you risk damaging electrical wiring, ductwork, or structural elements and exposing yourself to harmful substances like dust and asbestos.
Attic insulation pros in your area will ensure the job is done correctly, providing proper cleanup and preparation for new insulation installation. You'll gain peace of mind knowing your attic is safe and ready for the next step.
Hire a certified insulation pro to ensure safe, efficient removal.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Old insulation should be removed when it shows damage, contamination, or heavy deterioration. If you notice water stains, rodent droppings, mold, or large gaps, plan on taking it out to protect your home’s energy performance and indoor air quality. Removing compromised material eliminates health hazards, cuts energy loss, and sets the stage for a safer, more efficient attic—all while keeping utility bills in check.
R-value measures how well insulation resists heat flow—the higher the number, the better it slows heat transfer. The right R-value keeps your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer, saving energy year-round. Match the rating to your climate zone and have a pro verify performance over time, because moisture or settling can lower R-value and cut efficiency.
Attic insulation can stay in place for 80 to 100 years, but its performance often drops after the first 15. As dust, moisture, or mold build up, the material loses R-value and allows heat to escape. Schedule periodic inspections so a pro can tell you when replacement makes sense—helping you keep energy bills down and indoor comfort up.
You can over-insulate an attic. Beyond the recommended R-value, extra layers don’t add efficiency and can trap moisture, leading to mold or reduced performance. A local insulation pro can measure current levels, confirm the right target for your climate, and advise on any adjustments so you avoid future energy or maintenance headaches.
Insulation can be damaged by mold, pests, water leaks, or accidental electrical contact. When the material is compromised, it loses R-value and can introduce health hazards. Removing and replacing affected sections restores efficiency, while routine inspections from a qualified pro help you catch problems early and keep your attic safe and energy-smart.
Get our Angi-powered app
