Would it be economically sensible to add furring strips to existing studs to allow for more insulation?
Robert writes from Tehama, California: “I have a 1950s one story ranch style house, which I am remodeling. I have removed the sheetrock from the exterior walls in order to update the wiring and other reasons. The studs are 2x4s. The question is, would it be economically sensible to add 2×2 furring strips to the existing studs to allow for a greater thickness of insulation than can be placed in the wall cavities formed by the 2x4s?” Answer: Yes, furring out the walls will allow the use of R-19 or high-density R 21 insulation in the walls. You should definitely notice a difference in your heating and cooling costs.
