Whether your home is brand new or has been lived in for years, your insulation is likely in need of replacement. According to studies, nearly 90% of homes in the United States are under-insulated. There are numerous advantages to having a well-insulated home. So, why aren’t dwellings adequately insulated?
The primary reason for this is that most builders just put in enough insulation to bring the house up to code in your area. From the standpoint of a constructor, there’s no incentive to add any more insulation than is absolutely necessary, resulting in greater expenses. As a result, even if your house is brand new, it may be inadequately insulated.
The second reason is that insulation settles and degrades over time, so if you’ve lived in your house for a long time, it’s possible that your insulation isn’t as efficient as it was when you first moved in.
So, how can you know if your home is well insulated? The most obvious solution is to employ a professional insulation expert to do a thorough inspection. Even so, your home may be displaying certain warning indications that your insulation needs to be replaced.
Extremely Cold or Extremely Warm Walls
This is a simple exam that you may do on your own. Ideally, do this in the winter, when the contrast between the inside and outdoor temperatures is more noticeable. Place your hand on a wall that faces the outside. Assume it’s substantially colder than the room’s interior temperature. If this is the case, your insulation may not be properly keeping heat within your home, allowing it to escape through the walls.
Indoor Temperature Fluctuations.
Pay attention to the temperature in your home’s various rooms. If you notice large temperature differences between rooms when all windows and doors are closed, you may have insufficient insulation.
Increased Energy Costs
If your energy bills are continually increasing despite no significant changes in your home’s energy consumption (you haven’t installed any new major appliances or other energy-consuming items), your insulation could be to blame. As insulation deteriorates over time, it becomes less effective, requiring your home’s heating and cooling system to work more to maintain the proper temperature, raising your bill.
Pests.
If you discover unexpected guests in your home, such as mice or roaches, it could be an indication that your insulation and walls need to be inspected. Pests can wreak havoc on insulation, and homes with insufficient insulation will attract more pests than those that are properly insulated.
Moisture.
Wet spots on walls or ceilings should not be disregarded and should be handled as soon as possible. They are not simply an indication of poor insulation, but they can also cause serious damage if left unattended. If you detect moisture accumulating in your home, it’s time to contact an insulation professional.
Mold or mildew.
When insufficient insulation allows moisture to enter, this is what happens. Mold and mildew might start to grow in your attic, ceilings, and walls. If you begin to smell or see mold, it’s possible that poor insulation is at fault.
Drafts That Are Noticable
If you feel a chill in the air but no windows or doors are open, it’s a sign that your home isn’t adequately sealed and insulated. Try to pinpoint any areas in your home where the draft is coming from so you can notify an insulation expert who can assist you in resolving the issue.
What Should You Do If You Think Your House Is In Need of Insulation?
The simple answer is that the best method to handle any potential insulation concerns in your home is to contact an insulation specialist who can assess your home’s insulation requirements thoroughly.
The most significant advantage of upgrading your existing insulation is not only a more pleasant and temperate house, but also long-term energy savings. Your heating and cooling systems will perform more efficiently with a well-insulated home, saving you money on your heating and cooling bills for years to come.
Our professionals at MGT Insulation are well-versed in all types of attic insulation and ventilation. Our professionals will arrive with cutting-edge technology to evaluate your attic or home completely and identify any areas that require repair or improvement. They will do a thorough assessment of the existing state of your space and draw on their years of experience to create solutions that are appropriate for your house and budget.