5 Signs It's Time for New Insulation
If you’re like most homeowners, your insulation is out of sight and out of mind. It’s hidden away inside your walls, attic, and basement, and you probably don’t think about it very often.
But your insulation has a huge impact on your home’s comfort and energy efficiency, and it’s important to pay attention to how well it’s performing. If you’ve noticed any of the following signs, it’s likely time to add to or replace your insulation.
1. Uneven Temperatures Between Rooms & Floors
Insulation helps regulate the temperature in your home by keeping heat out during the summer and holding it in during the winter. If some rooms in your home are significantly warmer or colder than others—maybe you have a hot second floor in the summer or your kid’s bedroom is always too cold in the winter—it could be a sign that your house needs more insulation.
2. Drafty Rooms
Cold drafts are often a sign of poor insulation and air sealing. Insulation and air sealing work together to regulate heat and air movement into and out of your home. If you have gaps in your insulation and leaky areas where air can get through, your home will feel drafty.
3. The Furnace or AC Is Always Running
Without sufficient insulation, heat will constantly penetrate your home during the summer and escape during the winter. This puts a lot of strain on your heating and cooling systems and they will have to run more frequently to keep up. Not only does this make it harder to keep your home comfortable, but it can also cause your furnace or air conditioner to break down, leading to expensive repairs.
4. Utility Bills Are Increasing Without Cause
If your energy bills are rising and you don’t know why, it could be due to poor insulation. When your insulation isn’t performing well, your heating and cooling systems have to work harder to keep your house comfortable, leading to higher energy bills.
5. There Are Ice Dams on Your Roof in the Winter
Ice dams are almost always a sign of poor attic insulation. When heat escapes through your attic, it melts the snow on your roof and causes ice dams to form around the edges. This prevents water from draining off your roof and away from your home. With nowhere else to go, the water can seep through your roof and cause serious damage to your home. In addition, inadequate attic ventilation allows heat to be trapped and build up in your attic, instead of keeping it moving up and out. Working with a company proficient in understanding proper air circulation is a key component to controlling the damaging effects of ice damming.
Proper attic insulation, air sealing, and ventilation all prevent heat from getting trapped in your attic during the winter, preventing ice dams.
Sustainergy Cooperative: Your Local Insulation Installation Expert
Replacing insulation is worth it and can lead to many benefits, like improved comfort and reduced energy bills. It’s always one of the few home improvement projects that will likely pay for itself over time in the form of energy bill savings.
Sustainergy Cooperative is the leading energy efficiency and insulation contractor near you, serving homeowners in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. We can help you solve problems like high energy bills, uneven home temperatures, and indoor drafts with customized insulation upgrades. Our process starts with a free energy assessment, and we will recommend upgrades based on your specific needs, concerns, and budget. We offer financing and can help you take advantage of incentives like Inflation Reduction Act energy efficiency tax credits.
