
Your insulation provides a barrier between the air outside and the heated or cooled air inside your home. However, it does not last forever.
Over time, it can settle, compress or become damaged by rodents, moisture and other factors. This can lead to a loss of R-Value and compromise its effectiveness.
1. Uncomfortable Temperatures
If your home feels too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter, your attic insulation may be letting out air. Upgrading your insulation can help equalize temperatures and save you money all year round.
High energy bills are another sign that your insulation is no longer performing as it should. This is because your heating and cooling system have to work harder to keep up with a constantly changing climate when your attic and crawl space are not properly insulated.
The EPA estimates that homeowners can save up to 15% on their annual heating and cooling costs by insulating the attic. The best time to do this is during an energy audit, where a professional can examine your home for areas that could be wasting energy, like air leaks and poor attic insulation.
If your attic insulation looks stained or has animal feces, it is definitely time to replace it. This is because rodents and pests can eat it, ruining its effectiveness. Upgrading to modern, ENERGY STAR certified insulation will not only save you money on energy bills but also reduce the risk of pest infestations and water damage. It is also highly effective at blocking out outside noises, keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, and reducing moisture levels.
2. High Energy Bills
An attic’s insulation keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, reducing your energy bills. However, old or patchy insulation makes it easier for outside air to get in, which can make your heating and cooling systems work harder. When your bills rise, this is a sure sign that it’s time for an upgrade.
An effective and inexpensive way to determine whether you need more attic insulation is by scheduling a professional energy audit. A professional will use special tools to check for energy-wasting issues like low insulation and air leaks. The audit will also provide practical solutions and help you decide what type of insulation will best suit your home.
If your attic’s insulation is cellulose or fiberglass, it’s likely time to replace it with spray foam. Newer types of insulation offer greater energy efficiency and are more effective at blocking the movement of heat or cold air throughout your house.
An experienced insulation service provider can provide high-quality attic insulation that will block out chilly air in the winter and hot outdoor air in the summer, keeping your home comfortable all year round. For more information, contact our team of insulation experts today.
3. Unusual Noises
Your attic insulation plays a critical role in keeping your home warm during winter and cool during summer. It also helps keep your home quiet and protects your health by regulating moisture levels and blocking out outside noises. When your attic insulation starts to deteriorate, it can lead to many problems in your home. Inconsistent indoor temperatures, high energy bills, and drafts are just a few of the issues that can occur.
One of the first signs that you need new attic insulation is if you notice an increase in your energy bills. This is because your heating and cooling system has to work harder to compensate for the heat or cold air that is escaping through your attic. When you get your attic insulation replaced, the amount of air leaks should decrease, which will lower your energy costs.
Another way to determine if your attic insulation needs to be replaced is to take a look up there yourself. You can do this by checking the condition of your insulation and comparing it to the recommended R-value for your area. If your insulation is wet or appears thinning, it should be replaced immediately. Additionally, older types of insulation may contain asbestos and pose a health risk.
4. Uneven Temperatures
Insulation helps prevent hot air from moving into the home in winter and cold air moving out in summer. But insulation does not last forever and a home energy audit will help identify when it is time to make an upgrade.
The first sign is usually high heating or cooling bills in the winter or summer. These are a clear indication that your existing insulation is not performing as well as it should and should be upgraded.
Another sign is uneven temperatures in rooms of the home. This is caused by hot or cold air blowing through cracks in the attic and into the house when the insulation is inadequate or deteriorating. Upgrading your attic insulation with Everett Attic can improve this issue and ensure that you are maximizing the comfort of your home year-round.
A final sign is the presence of pest droppings in your attic or crawl space. These may be visible and look like pepper, coffee grounds or black rice depending on what pest is causing the problem (squirrels, opossums or termites). These droppings are also a sure sign that your attic insulation needs to be replaced.
It is always a good idea to have an insulation professional perform a complete attic inspection to identify issues and recommend the best solution for your home. The benefits of a quality attic insulation are many, including lower energy costs and greater comfort.
5. Unpleasant Atmosphere
Attic insulation keeps your home warm and cozy in the winter, cool in the summer, and dampens noise. It can’t last forever, though, and it’s important to know when to replace or upgrade it.
A major jump in your heating or cooling costs could be a sign that your attic insulation needs an upgrade. Insufficient or outdated insulation can allow energy to escape your house, forcing the heating and cooling system to work harder. Upgrading your attic insulation with spray foam or blowing cellulose will help reduce this problem.
If you notice foul odors coming from your attic or walls, this is also a sign that your insulation is in need of an update. Mold and fungus thrive in attics, where humidity can be high. When these contaminants infiltrate your living spaces, they can trigger allergies and lead to poor indoor air quality. Professionals can replace your attic insulation and eliminate the odors to restore a comfortable atmosphere in your home.
Insulation is not a DIY project, so it’s best to leave it up to professionals. They understand the necessary safety precautions to take and have the equipment needed for an efficient installation. They also offer warranties for their work, which homeowners wouldn’t have if they did the job themselves.
6. Pest Infestation
Besides letting your home’s hot air escape, old insulation can also attract rodents and pests. These creatures can feed off or nest in worn-out insulation, especially fiberglass batts, which are easy for mice and rats to tear apart. The presence of rodent droppings or signs of pest activity in your attic is a good indicator that it’s time to install new insulation.
In addition to helping you cut down on energy bills, a well-insulated attic is essential for keeping moisture out of your home. Moisture can cause mold and mildew, which can create unhealthy indoor conditions for your family. Fortunately, mold and mildew are often a sign that your attic needs better insulation and proper ventilation.
You can usually spot attic insulation problems, but it’s a good idea to get a professional assessment. Upgrading your attic insulation will help improve the R-value of your home, which can make a big difference in comfort and energy efficiency. Plus, newer types of insulation are more environmentally friendly and may offer a better protective barrier against heat transfer than older styles.
7. Cold Drafts
Insulation helps to regulate the temperature in your home, keep it warm in winter and cool in summer. It can also help reduce noise levels and provide other benefits for your family’s comfort and health. However, insulation doesn’t last forever and may need replacing. If you are noticing any of the following signs it is time to invest in new insulation.
Drafty air can creep into your living spaces through tiny cracks and voids that are created when your attic insulation isn’t doing its job. If you notice cold drafts from windows, doors, electrical outlets or recessed lighting it is a good sign that your attic needs to be inspected and possibly upgraded.
Other signs that your attic insulation isn’t doing it’s job include musty odors, mold or damp wood odors and high humidity. These are all signs that your attic has been compromised by pests and rodents, which could be causing damage to your home’s structure and posing a health risk for your family. A professional energy audit can pinpoint these problem areas in your home and determine the best course of action to take. The most common solution is to replace old insulation with standard or blown in insulation which fills gaps, eliminates drafts and provides vigorous protection against outside air.