Jennifer writes again from Shreveport, Louisiana: "We have an old house with hardwood floors with nasty carpet on top. The house is pretty cold in the wintertime and fairly comfortable in the summer. I live in a very humid region. The house is on pier and beam about 1' to 2' feet above the ground with lattice around the bottom for ventilation purposes. We have been hesitant in removing the old carpet because the carpet and carpet padding is supplying some insulating properties. My question is how and with what type of insulation should I insulate underneath the house? I would like something economical and effective. I have researched the sticky spray-on insulation and that is too expensive. I appreciate your expert advice. I have enjoyed reading your answers to some of the many questions on this site."

Answer: You could use unfaced insulation underneath the flooring. I recommend attaching plywood or netting to prevent critters from housing in the insulation.