Joseph writes from Rochester, New York: "I have a 1100 square ft. ranch with baseboard heat and have about 7-8 inches of insulation and want to know how much insulation I need in the attic and how can I tell what my savings will be with the added insulation?"

Answer: We cannot tell you exactly what you will save because there are so many variables that we can't know for sure. I can tell you that the U.S. Department of Energy recommends R-49 for most areas of the United States. Based on this, I recommend adding R-30 to your attic. If possible, you should also try to air seal the ceiling. By that I mean sealing any penetrations for electrical wires, plumbing or utility boxes. Although we cannot tell you what your exact savings will be we know from experience that the additional insulation will probably pay for itself in a few years. You should also feel warmer and more comfortable during the winter months.